Article of footwear with soil-shedding performance

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to methods of using articles of footwear and components thereof, including outsoles, in conditions normally conducive to the accumulation of soil on the outsoles. In particular, the disclosure relates to a method of using an article of footwear having an outsole that includes a dispersion on its ground facing surface. When the outsoles are wetted with water, the outsoles can become more compliant and/or can rapidly uptake and/or expel water, which can prevent soil from adhering to the outsole and/or can assist in shedding soil present on the outsole. Thus, the methods provided herein can prevent or reduce the accumulation of soil on the footwear during wear on unpaved surfaces such as sporting fields.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/042,719, entitled “Water-Absorbing Compositions for Outsoles”, and filed on Aug. 27, 2014; to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/042,736, entitled “Outsoles With Absorptive Thermoplastic Polyurethanes”, and filed on Aug. 27, 2014; and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/042,750, entitled “Outsoles With Absorptive Polyamides”, and filed on Aug. 27, 2014, the disclosures of each of which are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that they do not conflict with the present disclosure.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to articles of footwear. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to articles of footwear and components thereof, including outsoles, which are used in conditions conducive the accumulation of soil on the outsoles.

BACKGROUND

Articles of footwear of various types are frequently used for a variety of activities including outdoor activities, military use, and competitive sports. The outsoles of these types of footwear often are designed to provide traction on soft and slippery surfaces, such as unpaved surfaces including grass and dirt. For example, exaggerated tread patterns, lugs, cleats or spikes (both integral and removable), and rubber formulations which provide improved traction under wet conditions, have been used to improve the level of traction provided by the outsoles.

While these conventional means generally help give footwear improved traction, the outsoles often accumulate soil (e.g., inorganic materials such as mud, dirt, sand and gravel, organic material such as grass, turf, and other vegetation, and combinations of inorganic and organic materials) when the footwear is used on unpaved surfaces. In some instances, the soil can accumulate in the tread pattern (when a tread pattern is present), around and between lugs (when lugs are present), or on shafts of the cleats, in the spaces surrounding the cleats, and in the interstitial regions between the cleats (when cleats are present). The accumulations of soil can weigh down the footwear and interfere with the traction between the outsole and the ground.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a bottom isometric view of an article of footwear in an embodiment of the present disclosure having an outsole including a material (e.g., a dispersion or film thereof) in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the outsole of the article of footwear shown in FIG. 1, where an upper of the footwear is omitted;

FIG. 3 is a lateral side view of the outsole shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a medial side view of the outsole shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an expanded sectional view of a portion of the outsole, illustrating a material in accordance with the present disclosure in a dry state secured to a backing plate adjacent to a traction element (e.g., a cleat).

FIG. 5A is an expanded sectional view of the portion of the outsole shown in FIG. 5, where the material is partially saturated and swollen.

FIG. 5B is an expanded sectional view of the portion of the outsole shown in FIG. 5, where the material is fully saturated and swollen.

FIGS. 6-9 are expanded sectional views of the portion of the outsole shown in FIG. 5, illustrating the soil-shedding performance of the outsole during a foot strike motion on an unpaved surface.

FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of an outsole in an aspect according to the disclosure including a soil-shedding material and soil being shed therefrom, during impact with a ground surface;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of an article of footwear in another aspect of the present disclosure having an outsole including a material in accordance with the present disclosure, the material having discrete and separate sub-segments;

FIG. 12 is an expanded sectional view of a portion of an outsole in another aspect of the present disclosure, which includes a material in accordance with the present disclosure, the material being present in a recessed pocket of an outsole backing plate;

FIG. 13 is an expanded sectional view of a portion of an outsole in another aspect of the present disclosure, which includes an outsole backing plate having one or more indentations, and a material in accordance with the present disclosure, the material being present in and over the indentations;

FIG. 14 is an expanded sectional view of a portion of an outsole in another aspect of the present disclosure, which includes an outsole backing plate having one or more indentations having locking members, and a material in accordance with the present disclosure, the material being present in and over the indentations;

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of an article of footwear in another aspect of the present disclosure, which illustrates an example golf shoe application;

FIG. 16 is a bottom perspective view of an article of footwear in another aspect of the present disclosure, which illustrates an example baseball shoe application;

FIG. 17 is a bottom perspective view of an article of footwear in another aspect of the present disclosure, which illustrates an example American football shoe application; and

FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of an article of footwear in another aspect of the present disclosure, which illustrates an example hiking shoe application.

The articles of footwear shown in the figures are illustrated for use with a user's right foot. However, it is understood that the following discussion applies correspondingly to left-footed articles of footwear as well.

DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed an article of footwear and footwear components thereof (e.g., footwear outsoles and the like) having outsole dispersions (e.g., in the form of films) capable of taking up water, and method of using the articles. As used herein, the terms “article of footwear” and “footwear” are intended to be used interchangeably to refer to the same article. Typically, the term “article of footwear” will be used in a first instance, and the term “footwear” may be subsequently used to refer to the same article for ease of readability. As used herein, the term “film” includes one or more layers disposed on at least a portion of a surface, where the layer(s) can be provided as a single continuous segment on the surface or in multiple discontinuous segments on the surface, and is not intended to be limited by any application process (e.g., co-extrusion, injection molding, lamination, spray coating, etc.).

As discussed below, it has been found these articles of footwear can prevent or reduce the accumulation of soil on the footwear during wear on unpaved surfaces. As used herein, the term “soil” can include any of a variety of materials commonly present on a ground or playing surface and which might otherwise adhere to an outsole or exposed midsole of a footwear article. Soil can include inorganic materials such as mud, sand, dirt, and gravel; organic matter such as grass, turf, leaves, other vegetation, and excrement; and combinations of inorganic and organic materials such as clay.

While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that outsole dispersions in accordance with the present disclosure, when sufficiently wetted with water (including water containing dissolved, dispersed or otherwise suspended materials) can provide compressive compliance and/or expulsion of uptaken water. In particular, it is believed that the compressive compliance of the wetted dispersion, the expulsion of liquid from the wetted dispersion, or more preferably both in combination, can disrupt the adhesion of soil at the outsole and cohesion of the soil particles to each other.

This disruption in the adhesion and/or cohesion of soil is believed to be a responsible mechanism for preventing (or otherwise reducing) the soil from accumulating on the footwear outsole (due to the presence of the wetted outsole dispersion). As can be appreciated, preventing soil from accumulating on the bottom of footwear can improve the performance of traction elements present on the outsole during wear on unpaved surfaces, can prevent the footwear from gaining weight due to accumulated soil during wear, can preserve ball handling performance of the footwear, and thus can provide significant benefits to wearer as compared to an article of footwear with the dispersion present on the outsole.

In one aspect, the disclosure provides an article of footwear, where the article includes an outsole having a ground-facing surface and a dispersion present on at least a portion of the ground-facing surface. The dispersion compositionally includes a polymeric continuous phase and a hydrophilic dispersant. The article further includes an upper at least partially secured to an opposing second surface of the outsole. The article of footwear prevents or reduces soil accumulation on the outsole such that the article of footwear retains at least 15% less soil by weight as compared to a second article of footwear which is identical to the article of footwear except that the second article of footwear is free of the dispersion.

Various refinements of the foregoing aspect are possible. In some cases, the dispersion is present on at least 80% of the ground-facing surface of the outsole. In some embodiments, the dispersion further comprises a water-permeable membrane, and the water-permeable membrane is present on at least a portion of the ground-facing surface of the outsole. In various cases, the polymeric continuous phase includes a crosslinked polymer. In various embodiments, the polymeric continuous phase includes carbamate linkages. In some cases, the polymeric continuous phase includes amide linkages. In some embodiments, the polymeric continuous phase includes a polyolefin segment. In some cases, the hydrophilic dispersant is present in a concentration in a range of from 5% by weight to 40% by weight, based on a total weight of the dispersion. In some cases, the hydrophilic dispersant is present in a concentration in a range of from about 10% by weight to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the dispersion. In some embodiments, the hydrophilic dispersant has an average particle size ranging from 10 micrometers to 1 millimeter. In various cases, the hydrophilic dispersant has an average particle size ranging from 100 micrometers to 500 micrometers or ranging from 10 micrometers to 100 micrometers. In various embodiments, the hydrophilic dispersion compositionally includes a superabsorbent polymer. In some cases, the hydrophilic dispersant includes cellulose, polyether, polyacrylic acid, or a derivative of polyacrylic acid. In various cases, the polymeric continuous phase includes a covalently crosslinked polymer.

In another related aspect, the disclosure provides a method of using an article of footwear. In a first step, the method includes providing the article of footwear having an upper and an outsole operably secured to the upper, where the outsole includes a ground-facing surface and a dispersion present on at least a portion of the ground-facing surface. The dispersion compositionally includes a polymeric continuous phase and a hydrophilic dispersant. In a second step, the dispersion is exposed to water to take up the water into the dispersion to provide a wetted dispersion. In a third step, the outsole is pressed with the wetted dispersion onto a ground surface to compress the wetted dispersion. The compression of the wetted dispersion expels a portion of the taken up water from the film into soil of the ground surface. In a fourth step, the outsole is lifted from the ground surface to release the compression from the dispersion. In a fifth step, the additional water is taken up into the wetted dispersion after releasing the compression from the dispersion.

Various refinements of the foregoing aspect are possible. For example, in some cases, the polymeric continuous phase includes a covalently crosslinked polymer. In some embodiments, the polymeric continuous phase compositionally includes a hydrophobic polymer. In various cases, the outsole further includes a plurality of traction elements, and the method further includes pressing at least a portion of the traction elements into the ground surface prior to pressing the wetted dispersion onto the ground surface. In various embodiments, the method further includes pre-conditioning the ground-facing surface by contacting the ground-facing surface to water before contacting the ground-facing surface to wet soil.

As used herein, the term “providing”, such as for “providing an outsole”, when recited in the claims, is not intended to require any particular delivery or receipt of the provided item. Rather, the term “providing” is merely used to recite items that will be referred to in subsequent elements of the claim(s), for purposes of clarity and ease of readability.

As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the present disclosure.

As used herein, the terms “about” and “substantially” are used herein with respect to measurable values and ranges due to expected variations known to those skilled in the art (e.g., limitations and variability in measurements).

The article of footwear of the present disclosure may be designed for a variety of uses, such as sporting, athletic, military, work-related, recreational, or casual use. Primarily, the article of footwear is intended for outdoor use on unpaved surfaces (in part or in whole), such as on a ground surface including one or more of grass, turf, gravel, sand, dirt, clay, mud, and the like, whether as an athletic performance surface or as a general outdoor surface. However, the article of footwear may also be desirable for indoor applications, such as indoor sports including dirt playing surfaces for example (e.g., indoor baseball fields with dirt infields). As used herein, the terms “at least one” and “one or more of” an element are used interchangeably, and have the same meaning that includes a single element and a plurality of the elements, and may also be represented by the suffix “(s)” at the end of the element. For example, “at least one polyurethane”, “one or more polyurethanes”, and “polyurethane(s)” may be used interchangeably and have the same meaning.

In preferred embodiments, the article of footwear is designed use in outdoor sporting activities, such as global football/soccer, golf, American football, rugby, baseball, running, track and field, cycling (e.g., road cycling and mountain biking), and the like. The article of footwear can optionally include traction elements (e.g., lugs, cleats, studs, and spikes) to provide traction on soft and slippery surfaces. Cleats, studs and spikes are commonly included in footwear designed for use in sports such as global football/soccer, golf, American football, rugby, baseball, and the like, which are frequently played on unpaved surfaces. Lugs and/or exaggerated tread patterns are commonly included in footwear including boots design for use under rugged outdoor conditions, such as trail running, hiking, and military use.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an example article of footwear of the present disclosure, referred to as an article of footwear 100, and which is depicted as footwear for use in global football/soccer applications. As shown in FIG. 1, the footwear 100 includes an upper 110 and an outsole 112 as footwear article components, where outsole 112 includes a plurality of traction elements 114 (e.g., cleats) and an outsole dispersion illustrated in the form of a film 116 at its external or ground-facing side or surface. While many of the embodied footwear of the present disclosure preferably include traction elements such as cleats, it is to be understood that in other embodiments, the incorporation of cleats is optional.

The upper 110 of the footwear 100 has a body 118 which may be fabricated from materials known in the art for making articles of footwear, and is configured to receive a user's foot. For example, the upper body 118 may be made from or include one or more components made from one or more of natural leather; a knit, braided, woven, or non-woven textile made in whole or in part of a natural fiber; a knit, braided, woven or non-woven textile made in whole or in part of a synthetic polymer, a film of a synthetic polymer, etc.; and combinations thereof. The upper 110 and components of the upper 110 may be manufactured according to conventional techniques (e.g., molding, extrusion, thermoforming, stitching, knitting, etc.). While illustrated in FIG. 1 with a generic design, the upper 110 may alternatively have any desired aesthetic design, functional design, brand designators, and the like.

The outsole 112 may be directly or otherwise operably secured to the upper 110 using any suitable mechanism or method. As used herein, the terms “operably secured to”, such as for an outsole that is operably secured to an upper, refers collectively to direct connections, indirect connections, integral formations, and combinations thereof. For instance, for an outsole that is operably secured to an upper, the outsole can be directly connected to the upper (e.g., with an adhesive), the outsole can be indirectly connected to the upper (e.g., with an intermediate midsole), can be integrally formed with the upper (e.g., as a unitary component), and combinations thereof.

For example, the upper 110 may be stitched to the outsole 112, or the upper 110 may be glued to the outsole 112, such as at or near a bite line 120 of the upper 110. The footwear 100 can further include a midsole (not shown) secured between the upper 110 and the outsole 112, or can be enclosed by the outsole 112. When a midsole is present, the upper 110 may be stitched, glued, or otherwise attached to the midsole at any suitable location, such as at or below the bite line 120.

As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the layout of outsole 112 can be segregated into a forefoot region 122, a midfoot region 124, and a heel region 126. The forefoot region 122 is disposed proximate a wearer's forefoot, the midfoot region 124 is disposed between the forefoot region 122 and the heel region 126, and the heel region 126 is disposed proximate a wearer's heel and opposite the forefoot region 122. The outsole 112 may also include a forward edge 128 at the forefoot region 122 and a rearward edge 130 at the heel region 126. In addition to these longitudinal designations, the left/right sides of outsole 112 can also be respectively designated by a medial side 132 and a lateral side 134.

Each of these designations can also apply to the upper 110 and more generally to the footwear 100, and are not intended to particularly define structures or boundaries of the footwear 100, the upper 110, or the outsole 112. As used herein, directional orientations for an article, such as “upward”, “downward”, “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right”, and the like, are used for ease of discussion, and are not intended to limit the use of the article to any particular orientation. Additionally, references to “ground-facing surface”, “ground-facing side”, and the like refer to the surface or side of footwear that face the ground during normal use by a wearer as standing. These terms are also used for ease of discussion, and are not intended to limit the use of the article to any particular orientation.

The outsole 112 also includes a backing plate or 136, which, in the shown example, extends across the forefoot region 122, the midfoot region 124, and the heel region 126. The backing plate 136 is an example backing member or other outsole substrate for use in an article of footwear, and can provide structural integrity to the outsole 112. However, the backing plate 136 can also be flexible enough, at least in particular locations, to conform to the flexion of a wearer's foot during the dynamic motions produced during wear. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the backing plate 136 may include a flex region 138 at the forefoot region 122, which can facilitate flexion of the wearer's toes relative to the foot in active use of the footwear 100.

The backing plate 136 may have a top (or first) surface (or side) 142 (best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4), a bottom (or second) surface (or side) 144, and a sidewall 146, where the sidewall 146 can extend around the perimeter of the backing plate 136 at the forward edge 128, the rearward edge 130, the medial side 132, and the lateral side 134. The top surface 142 is the region of the backing plate 136 (and the outsole 112 more generally) that may be in contact with and operably secured to the upper 110 and/or to any present midsole or insole.

The bottom surface 144 is a ground-facing surface of the backing plate 136 that is covered (or at least partially covered) by the film 116 secured thereto, and would otherwise be configured to contact a ground surface, whether indoors or outdoors, if the film 116 were otherwise omitted. The bottom surface 144 is also the portion of outsole 112 that the traction elements 114 can extend from, as discussed below.

The backing plate 136 can be manufactured with one or more layers, may be produced from any suitable material(s), and can provide a good interfacial bond to the film 116, as discussed below. Examples of suitable materials for the backing plate 136 include one or more polymeric materials such as thermoplastic elastomers; thermoset polymers; elastomeric polymers; silicone polymers; natural and synthetic rubbers; composite materials including polymers reinforced with carbon fiber and/or glass; natural leather; metals such as aluminum, steel and the like; and combinations thereof.

In particular embodiments, the backing plate 136 is manufactured from one or more polymeric materials having similar chemistries to that of the film 116. In other words, the backing plate and the film can both comprise or consist essentially of polymers having the same or similar functional groups, and/or can comprise or consist essentially of polymers having the same or similar levels of polarity. For example, the backing plate and the film can both comprise or consist essentially of one or more polyurethanes (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethanes), one or more polyamides (e.g., thermoplastic polyamides), one or more polyethers (e.g., thermoplastic polyethers), one or more polyesters (e.g., thermoplastic polyesters), or the like. The similar chemistries can be beneficial for improving manufacturing compatibilities between the materials of the film 116 and the backing plate 136, and also for improving their interfacial bond strength. Alternatively, one or more tie layers (not shown) can be applied between the backing plate 136 and the film 116 in order to improve their interlayer bonding.

As used herein, the term “polymer” refers to a molecule having polymerized units of one or more species of monomer. The term “polymer” is understood to include both homopolymers and copolymers. The term “copolymer” refers to a polymer having polymerized units of two or more species of monomers, and is understood to include terpolymers. As used herein, reference to “a” polymer or other chemical compound refers one or more molecules of the polymer or chemical compound, rather than being limited to a single molecule of the polymer or chemical compound. Furthermore, the one or more molecules may or may not be identical, so long as they fall under the category of the chemical compound. Thus, for example, “a” polylaurolactam is interpreted to include one or more polymer molecules of the polylaurolactam, where the polymer molecules may or may not be identical (e.g., different molecular weights and/or isomers).

The traction elements 114 may each include any suitable cleat, stud, spike, or similar element configured to enhance traction for a wearer during cutting, turning, stopping, accelerating, and backward movement. The traction elements 114 can be arranged in any suitable pattern along the bottom surface 144 of the backing plate 136. For instance, the traction elements 114 can be distributed in groups or clusters along the outsole 112 (e.g., clusters of 2-8 traction elements 114). As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the traction elements 114 can be grouped into a cluster 147A at the forefoot region 122, a cluster 147B at the midfoot region 124, and a cluster 147C at the heel region 126. In this example, six of the traction elements 114 are substantially aligned along the medial side 132 of the outsole 112, and the other six traction elements 114 are substantially aligned along the lateral side 134 of the outsole 112.

The traction elements 114 may alternatively be arranged along the outsole 112 symmetrically or non-symmetrically between the medial side 132 and the lateral side 134, as desired. Moreover, one or more of the traction elements 114 may be arranged along a centerline of outsole 112 between the medial side 132 and the lateral side 134, such as a blade 114A, as desired to enhance or otherwise modify performance.

Alternatively (or additionally), traction elements can also include one or more front-edge traction elements 114, such as one or more blades 114B, one or more fins 114C, and/or one or more cleats (not shown) operably secured to (e.g., integrally formed with) the backing plate 136 at a front-edge region between forefoot region 122 and cluster 147A. In this application, the film 116 can optionally extend across the bottom surface 144 at this front-edge region while maintaining good traction performance.

Furthermore, the traction elements 114 may each independently have any suitable dimension (e.g., shape and size). For instance, in some designs, each traction element 114 within a given cluster (e.g., clusters 147A, 147B, and 147C) may have the same or substantially the same dimensions, and/or each traction element 114 across the entirety of the outsole 112 may have the same or substantially the same dimensions. Alternatively, the traction elements 114 within each cluster may have different dimensions, and/or each traction element 114 across the entirety of the outsole 112 may have different dimensions.

Examples of suitable shapes for the traction elements 114 include rectangular, hexagonal, cylindrical, conical, circular, square, triangular, trapezoidal, diamond, ovoid, as well as other regular or irregular shapes (e.g., curved lines, C-shapes, etc. . . . ). The traction elements 114 may also have the same or different heights, widths, and/or thicknesses as each other, as further discussed below. Further examples of suitable dimensions for the traction elements 114 and their arrangements along the backing plate 136 include those provided in soccer/global football footwear commercially available under the tradenames “TIEMPO”, “HYPERVENOM”, “MAGISTA”, and “MERCURIAL” from Nike, Inc. of Beaverton, Oreg.

The traction elements 114 may be incorporated into the backing plate 136 by any suitable mechanism such that the traction elements 114 preferably extend from the bottom surface 144. For example, as discussed below, the traction elements 114 may be integrally formed with the backing plate 136 through a molding process (e.g., for firm ground (FG) footwear). Alternatively, the backing plate 136 may be configured to receive removable traction elements 114, such as screw-in or snap-in traction elements 114. In these embodiments, the backing plate 136 may include receiving holes (e.g., threaded or snap-fit holes, not shown), and the traction elements 114 can be screwed or snapped into the receiving holes to secure the traction elements 114 to the backing plate 136 (e.g., for soft ground (SG) footwear).

In further examples, a first portion of the traction elements 114 can be integrally formed with the backing plate 136 and a second portion of the traction elements 114 can be secured with screw-in, snap-in, or other similar mechanisms (e.g., for SG pro footwear). The traction elements 114 may also be configured as short studs for use with artificial ground (AG) footwear, if desired. In some applications, the receiving holes may be raised or otherwise protrude from the general plane of the bottom surface 144 of the backing plate 136. Alternatively, the receiving holes may be flush with the bottom surface 144.

The traction elements 114 can be fabricated from any suitable material for use with the outsole 112. For example, the traction elements 114 may include one or more of polymeric materials such as thermoplastic elastomers; thermoset polymers; elastomeric polymers; silicone polymers; natural and synthetic rubbers; composite materials including polymers reinforced with carbon fiber and/or glass; natural leather; metals such as aluminum, steel and the like; and combinations thereof. In embodiments in which the traction elements 114 are integrally formed with the backing plate 112 (e.g., molded together), the traction elements 114 preferably include the same materials as the backing plate 112 (e.g., thermoplastic materials). Alternatively, in embodiments in which the traction elements 114 are separate and insertable into receiving holes of the backing plate 112, the traction elements 114 can include any suitable materials that can secured in the receiving holes of the backing plate 112 (e.g., metals and thermoplastic materials).

The backing plate 136 (and more generally, the outsole 112) may also include other features other than the traction elements 114 that can provide support or flexibility to the outsole and/or for aesthetic design purposes. For instance, the backing plate 136 may also include ridges 148 that may be raised or otherwise protrude from the general plane of the bottom surface 144.

As shown, ridges 148 can extend along the arrangement pathways of the traction elements 114, if desired. These features (e.g., ridges 148) can be integrally formed into the backing plate 136, or alternatively, be removable features that are securable to the backing plate 136. Suitable materials for these features include those discussed above for the traction elements 114.

The backing plate 136 (and more generally, the outsole 112) may also include other features such as exaggerated tread patterns, lugs, and the like, which are configured to contact the ground or playing surface to increase traction, to enhance performance, or for aesthetic design purposes. These other features can be present on the outsole in place of or in addition to the traction elements 114, and can be formed from the suitable materials discussed above for the traction elements 114.

As further shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the traction elements 114 can be arranged such that when footwear 100 rests on a flat surface 149, the bottom surface 144 of backing plate 136 and the film 116 are offset from the flat surface 149. This offset is present even when the film 116 is fully saturated and swollen, as discussed below. As such, the traction elements 114 can receive the greatest levels of shear and abrasive contact with surfaces during use, such as by digging into soil during cutting, turning, stopping, accelerating, backward movements, and the like. In comparison, the film 116 at its offset location can remain partially protected from a significant portion of these shear and abrasive conditions, thereby preserving its integrity during use.

FIG. 5 is an expanded sectional view of the film 116 and the bottom surface 144 of the backing plate 136 at one of the traction elements 114. In this shown example, the traction element 114, which can be representative of one or more of the other traction elements 114, is integrally molded with the backing plate 136 and includes a shaft 150 that protrudes downward beyond the bottom surface 144 and the film 116. The shaft 150 itself may include an outer side surface 152 and a terminal edge 154. The terminal edge 154 of the shaft 150 is the distal end of the traction element 114, opposite from the bottom surface 144, and is the portion of the traction element 114 that can initially contact and penetrate into a playing or ground surface.

As mentioned above, the traction element 114 may have any suitable dimensions and shape, where the shaft 150 (and the outer side surface 152) can correspondingly have rectangular, hexagonal, cylindrical, conical, circular, square, triangular, trapezoidal, diamond, ovoid, as well as other regular or irregular shapes (e.g., curved lines, C-shapes, etc. . . . ). Similarly, the terminal edge 154 can have dimensions and sizes that correspond to those of the outer side surface 152, and can be substantially flat, sloped, rounded, and the like. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the terminal edge 154 can be substantially parallel to the bottom surface 144 and/or the film 114.

Examples of suitable average lengths 156 for each shaft 150 relative to bottom surface 144 range from 1 millimeter to 20 millimeters, from 3 millimeters to 15 millimeters, or from 5 millimeters to 10 millimeters, where, as mentioned above, each traction element 114 can have different dimensions and sizes (i.e., the shafts 150 of the various traction elements 114 can have different lengths).

In the example shown in FIGS. 1-5, the film 116 is present on the entire bottom surface 144 of the backing plate 136 between (and not including) the traction elements 114. For instance, as shown in FIG. 5, the film 116 can cover the bottom surface 144 at locations around the shaft 150 of each traction element 114, such that film 116 does not cover the outer side surface 152 or the terminal edge 154 of the traction element 114, other than optionally at a base region 158 of the shaft 150. This can preserve the integrity of the film 116 and preserve traction performance of the traction elements 114. In some embodiments, the film 116 does not cover or contact any portion of the outer side surface 152 of the shaft 150. In other embodiments, the base region 158 that the film 116 (in a dry state) covers and contacts the outer side surface 152 is less than 25%, less than 15%, or less than 10% of the length of the shaft 150, as an average distance measured from the bottom surface 144 at the traction element 114.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, the film 116 is preferably a thin film to minimize or otherwise reduce its impact on the traction elements 114. Examples of suitable average thicknesses for the film 116 in a dry state (referred to as a dry-state film thickness 160) range from 0.025 millimeters to 5 millimeters, from 0.5 millimeters to 3 millimeters, from 0.25 millimeters to 1 millimeter, from 0.25 millimeters to 2 millimeters, from 0.25 millimeters to 5 millimeters, from 0.15 millimeters to 1 millimeter, from 0.15 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, from 0.1 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters, from 0.1 millimeters to 2 millimeters, from 0.1 millimeters to 5 millimeters, from 0.1 millimeters to 1 millimeter, or from 0.1 millimeters to 0.5 millimeters. As depicted, the thicknesses for the film 116 are measured between the interfacial bond at the bottom surface 144 of the backing plate 136 and an exterior surface of the film 116 (referred to as a film surface 162).

In some alternative embodiments, the film 116 can also (or alternatively) be present on one or more regions of the traction elements 114. These embodiments can be beneficial, for example, in applications where the traction element 114 has a central base with multiple shafts 150 that protrude from the periphery of the central base. In such embodiments, the film 116 can be present on at least the central base of the traction element 114. Furthermore, for some applications, the film 116 may also cover the entirety of one or more of the traction elements 114 (e.g., on the shaft 150).

Presence of the film 116 on the ground-facing side of outsole 112 (i.e., on bottom surface 144) allows the film 116 to come into contact with soil, including wetted soil during use, which is believed to enhance the soil-shedding performance for the footwear 100, as explained below. However, the film 116 can also optionally be present on one or more locations of the sidewall 146 of the backing plate 144.

As briefly mentioned above, the film 116 can compositionally include a material that allows the film 116 to absorb or otherwise take up water. For example, the material can include a crosslinked polymeric network that can quickly take up water from an external environment (e.g., from mud, wet grass, presoaking, and the like).

Moreover, it is believed that this uptake of water by the film 116 causes the polymer network of the material to untwist and stretch under the pressure of the received water, while retaining its overall structural integrity through its crosslinking (physical or covalent crosslinking). This stretching and expansion of the polymer network can cause the film 116 to swell and become more compliant (e.g., compressible, expandable, and stretchable). As used herein, the term “compliant” refers to the stiffness of an elastic material, and can be determined by the storage modulus of the material. The lower the degree of crosslinking in a material, or the greater the distance between crosslinks in a material, the more compliant the material.

The swelling of the film 116 can be observed as an increase in film thickness from the dry-state thickness 160 of the film 116 (shown in FIG. 5), through a range of intermediate-state thicknesses (e.g., thickness 163, shown in FIG. 5A) as additional water is absorbed, and finally to a saturated-state thickness 164 (shown in FIG. 5B), which is an average thickness of the film 116 when fully saturated with water. For example, the saturated-state thickness 164 for the fully saturated film 114 can be greater than 150%, greater than 200%, greater than 250%, greater than 300%, greater than 350%, greater than 400%, or greater than 500%, of the dry-state thickness 160 for the same film 116.

In some embodiments, the saturated-state thickness 164 for the fully saturated film 114 range from 150% to 500%, from 150% to 400%, from 150% to 300%, or from 200% to 300% of the dry-state thickness 160 for the same film 116. Examples of suitable average thicknesses for the film 116 in a wet state (referred to as a saturated-state thickness 164) range from 0.2 millimeters to 10 millimeters, from 0.2 millimeters to 5 millimeters, from 0.2 millimeters to 2 millimeters, from 0.25 millimeters to 2 millimeters, or from 0.5 millimeters to 1 millimeter.

Preferably, the film 116 material can quickly take up water that is in contact with the film 116. For instance, the film 116 can take up water from mud and wet grass, such as during a warmup period prior to a competitive match. Alternatively (or additionally), the film 116 can be pre-conditioned with water so that the film 116 is partially or fully saturated, such as by spraying or soaking the outsole 112 with water prior to use.

The total amount of water that the film 116 can take up depends on a variety of factors, such as its composition (e.g., its hydrophilicity), its cross-linking density, its thickness, and its interfacial bond to the backing plate 136. For example, it is believed that a film material having a higher hydrophilicity and a lower cross-linking density can increase the maximum water uptake for the film 116. On the other hand, the interfacial bond between the film 116 and the bottom surface 144 of the backing plate 136 can potentially restrict the swelling of the film 116 due to its relatively thin dimensions. Accordingly, as described below, the maximum water uptake and the maximum percent swell of the film 116 can differ between the film 116 in a neat state (isolated film by itself) and the film 116 as present on the backing plate 136.

The water uptake capacity and the water uptake rate of the film 116 are dependent on the size and shape of its geometry, and are typically based on the same factors. However, it has been found that, to account for part dimensions when measuring water uptake capacity, it is possible to derive an intrinsic, steady-state material property. Therefore, conservation of mass can be used to define the ratio of water weight absorbed to the initial dry weight of the film 116 at very long time scales (i.e. when the ratio is no longer changing at a measurable rate.)

Conversely, the water uptake rate is transient and is preferably defined kinetically. The three primary factors for water uptake rate for a given part geometry include time, thickness, and the exposed surface area available for water flux. Once again, the weight of water taken up can be used as a metric of water uptake rate, but the water flux can also be accounted for by normalizing by the exposed surface area. For example, a thin rectangular film can be defined by 2×L×W, where L is the length of one side and W is the width. The value is doubled to account for the two major surfaces of the film, but the prefactor can be eliminated when the film has a non-absorbing, structural layer secured to one of the major surfaces (e.g., with an outsole backing plate).

Normalizing for thickness and time can require a more detailed analysis because they are coupled variables. Water penetrates deeper into the film as more time passes in the experiment, and therefore, there is more functional (e.g., absorbent) material available at longer time scales. One dimensional diffusion models can explain the relationship between time and thickness through material properties, such as diffusivity. In particular, the weight of water taken up per exposed surface area should yield a straight line when plotted against the square root of time.

However, several factors can occur where this model does not represent the data well. First, at long times absorbent materials become saturated and diffusion kinetics change due to the decrease in concentration gradient of the water. Second, as time progresses the material can be plasticized to increase the rate of diffusion, so once again the model do longer represents the physical process. Finally, competing processes can dominate the water uptake or weight change phenomenon, typically through surface phenomenon such as physisorption on a rough surface due to capillary forces. This is not a diffusion driven process, and the water is not actually be taken up into the film.

Even though the film 116 can swell as it takes up water and transitions between the different film states with corresponding thicknesses 160, 163, and 164, the saturated-state thickness 164 of the film 116 preferably remains less than the length 156 of the traction element 114. This selection of the film 116 and its corresponding dry and saturated thicknesses ensures that the traction elements 114 can continue to provide ground-engaging traction during use of the footwear 100, even when the film 116 is in a fully swollen state. For example, the average clearance difference between the lengths 156 of the traction elements 114 and the saturated-state thickness 164 of the film 116 is desirably at least 8 millimeters. For example, the average clearance distance can be at least 9 millimeters, 10 millimeters, or more.

As also mentioned above, in addition to swelling, the compliance of the film 116 may also increase from being relatively stiff (dry state) to being increasingly stretchable, compressible, and malleable (in partially and fully saturated states). The increased compliance accordingly can allow the film 116 to readily compress under an applied pressure (e.g., during a foot strike on the ground), which can quickly expel at least a portion of its retained water (depending on the extent of compression). While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that this combination of compressive compliance and water expulsion can disrupt the adhesion and cohesion of soil at outsole 112, which prevents or otherwise reduces the accumulation of soil on outsole 112.

In addition to quickly expelling water, the compressed film 116 may also be capable of quickly re-absorbing water when the compression is released (e.g., liftoff from a foot strike during normal use). As such, during use in a wet or damp environment (e.g., a muddy or wet ground), the film 116 can dynamically expel and re-uptake water over successive foot strikes. As such, the film 116 can continue to prevent soil accumulation over extended periods of time (e.g., during an entire competitive match), particularly when there is ground water available for re-uptake.

FIGS. 6-9 illustrate an example method of using footwear 100 with a muddy or wet ground 166, which depict the believed mechanism for preventing soil accumulation on the outsole 112. It is known that the soil of the ground 166 can accumulate on an outsole (e.g., between the traction elements) during normal athletic or casual use, in particular when the ground 166 is wet. The soil is believed to accumulate on the outsole due to a combination of adhesion of the soil particles to the surface of the outsole and cohesion of the soil particles to each other. In order to break these adhesive/cohesive forces, the soil particles need to be subjected to stresses high enough to exceed their adhesive/cohesive activation energies. When this is achieved, the soil particles can then move or flow under the applied stresses, which dislodge or otherwise shed portions of the soil from the outsole.

However, during typical use of cleated footwear, such as during competitive sporting events (e.g., global football/soccer matches, golfing events, and American football games), the actions of walking and running are not always sufficient to dislodge the soil from the outsole. This can result in the soil sticking to the outsoles, particularly in the interstitial regions where compaction forces in the normal direction are maximized between the individual traction elements. As can be appreciated, this soil can quickly accumulate to increase the weight of the footwear and reduce the effectiveness of the traction elements (e.g., because they have less axial or normal extent capable of engaging with the ground 166), each of which can have a significant impact on athletic performance.

The incorporation of the film 116 to the outsole 112, however, is believed to disrupt the adhesion and cohesion of soil at the outsole 112, thereby reducing the adhesive/cohesive activation energies otherwise required to induce the flow of the soil particles. As shown in FIG. 6, the footwear 100 can be provided in a pre-conditioned state where the film 116 is partially or fully saturated with water. This can be accomplished in a variety of manners, such as spraying the outsole 112 with water, soaking the outsole 112 in water, or otherwise exposing the film 116 to water in a sufficient amount for a sufficient duration. Alternatively (or additionally), when water or wet materials are present on the ground 166, footwear 100 can be used in a conventional manner on the ground 166 until the film 116 absorbs a sufficient amount of water from the ground 166 or wet materials to reach its pre-conditioned state.

During a foot strike, the downward motion of the footwear 100 (illustrated by arrow 168) causes the traction element 114 to contact the ground 166. As shown in FIG. 7, the continued applied pressure of the foot strike can cause the traction element 114 to penetrate into the softer soil of the ground 166 until the film surface 162 of the film 116 contacts the ground 166. As shown in FIG. 8, further applied pressure of the foot strike can press the film 116 into the ground 166, thereby at least partially compressing the film 116 under the applied pressure (illustrated by arrows 170).

As can be seen, this compression of the film 116 into the soil of the ground 166 typically compacts the soil, increasing the potential for the soil particles to adhere to outsole 112 and to cohesively adhere to each other (clumping together). However, the compression of the film 116 may also expel at least a portion of its uptaken water into the soil of the ground 166 (illustrated by arrows 172). It is believed that as the water is expelled through the film surface 162 of the film 116, the pressure of the expelled water can disrupt the adhesion of the soil to the film surface 162 at this interface.

Additionally, once expelled into the soil, it is also believed that the water may also modify the rheology of the soil adjacent to the film surface 162 (e.g., watering down the soil to a relatively muddier or wetter state). This is believed to essentially spread out the soil particles in the water carrier and weaken their cohesive forces (e.g., mechanical/ionic/hydrogen bonds). Each of these mechanisms from the expelled water is believed to lower the required stresses need to disrupt the adhesion of the soil from the outsole 112. As such, the stresses typically applied during athletic performances (e.g., while running, handling the ball with the footwear, and kicking the ball) can exceed the cohesive/adhesive activation energies more frequently.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the footwear 100 is lifted following the foot strike (illustrated by arrow 174), it is believed that the compression applied to the film 116 is released, and so the film 116 can be free to expand. In some examples, it has been found that, when the outsole 112 is lifted apart from the ground 166, a thin water layer can remain in contact with the film surface 162, which can quickly re-uptake into the film 116. This quick re-uptake of water from the film surface 162 (after compression is removed (e.g., within about 1, 2, or 5 seconds) can quickly swell the film 116 back at least partially to its previously-swelled state (depending on the amount of water re-absorbed), as illustrated by arrows 176.

This cyclic compression and expansion from repeated, rapid, and/or forceful foot strikes during use of the footwear 100 can also mechanically disrupt the adhesion of any soil still adhered to the film surface 162, despite the relatively small thickness of the film 116 in any of its various states of water saturation (e.g., partially to fully saturated). In particular, the increased compliance is believed, under some conditions, to lead to inhomogeneous shear states in the soil when compressed in the normal or vertical direction, which can also lead to increased interfacial shear stresses and a decrease in soil accumulation.

In some embodiments, the film 116 can swell during water re-uptake (and also during initial uptake) in a non-uniform manner. In such embodiments, the uptaken water may tend to travel in a path perpendicular to the film surface 162, and so may not migrate substantially in a transverse direction generally in the plane of the film 116 once absorbed. This uneven, perpendicular water uptake and relative lack of transverse water intra-film transport can form an irregular or rough texture or small ridges for the film surface 162. The presence of these small ridges on the irregular film surface 162 from the non-uniform swelling are also believed to potentially further disrupt the adhesion of the soil at the film surface 162, and thus may loosen the soil and further promote soil shedding. The uneven, ridged film surface 162 can also be seen in the photograph of FIG. 19 of an exemplary water-saturated film 116 according to the present disclosure.

In addition to the uptake, compression, expulsion, re-uptake, and swelling cycle discussed above, the increased compliance of the film 116, for example elongational compliance in the longitudinal direction, may allow the film 116 to be more malleable and stretchable when swelled. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, during a foot rotation in a foot strike (e.g., as the foot generally rolls from heel to toe during a stride), the outsole 112 and the film 116 are correspondingly flexed (e.g., inducing compression forces illustrated by arrows 170).

The increased elongation or stretchiness of the film 116 when partially or fully saturated with water can increase the extent that the film 116 stretches during this flexing, which can induce additional shear on any soil adhered to the film surface 162. As illustrated, a rolling ground strike creates a curved outsole 112 and a curved compressed film 116, which can cause water to be expelled therefrom and transverse film stretching forces being induced to pull apart and shed the soil. The compression forces (illustrated by arrows 170) on the film 116, which can help to expel the water can be particularly strong at points of contact with the ground 166 and/or where the radius of curvature of the curved outsole 112/curved film 116 is relatively small or at its minimum.

The foregoing properties of the film 116 related to compression/expansion compliance and the elongation compliance are believed to be closely interrelated, and they can depend on the same film 116 properties (e.g., a hydrophilic film able to able to rapidly take up and expel relatively large amounts of water compared to the film size or thickness). A distinction is in their mechanisms for preventing soil accumulation, for example surface adhesion disruption versus shear inducement. The water re-uptake is believed to potentially act to quickly expand or swell the film 116 after being compressed to expel water. Rapid water uptake can provide a mechanism for replenishing the film 116 water content between foot strikes. Rapid replenishment of the film 116 water content can restore the film 116 to its compliant state, returning it to a state where stretching and shearing forces can contribute to debris shedding. In addition, replenishment of the film 116 water content can permit subsequent water expulsion to provide an additional mechanism for preventing soil accumulation (e.g., application of water pressure and modification of soil rheology). As such, the water absorption/expulsion cycle can provide a unique combination for preventing soil accumulation on the outsole 112 of the footwear 100.

In addition to being effective at preventing soil accumulation, the film 116 has also been found to be sufficiently durable for its intended use on the ground-contacting side of the outsole 112. Durability is based on the nature and strength of the interfacial bond of the film 116 to the bottom surface 144 of the backing plate 136, as well as the physical properties of the film 116 itself. For many examples, during the useful life of the film 116, the film 116 may not delaminate from the backing plate 136, and it can be substantially abrasion- and wear-resistant (e.g., maintaining its structural integrity without rupturing or tearing).

In various embodiments, the useful life of the film 116 (and the outsole 112 and footwear 100 containing it) is at least 10 hours, 20 hours, 50 hours, 100 hours, 120 hours, or 150 hours of wear. For example, in some applications, the useful life of the film 116 ranges from 20 hours to 120 hours. In other applications, the useful life of the film 116 ranges from 50 hours to 100 hours of wear.

Interestingly, for many examples, the dry and wet states of the film 116 can allow the film 116 to dynamically adapt in durability to account for dry and wet surface play. For example, when used on a dry ground 166, the film 116 can also be dry, which renders it stiffer and more wear resistant. Alternatively, when used on wet ground 166 or when wet material is present on a dry ground 166, the film 116 can quickly take up water to achieve a partially or fully saturated condition, which may be a swollen and/or compliant state. However, the wet ground 166 imposes less wear on the swollen and compliant film 116 compared to dry ground 166. As such, the film 116 can be used in a variety of conditions, as desired. Nonetheless, the footwear 100 and the outsole 112 are particularly beneficial for use in wet environments, such as with muddy surfaces, grass surfaces, and the like.

While the film 116 is illustrated above in FIGS. 1-4 as extending across the entire bottom surface 144 of the outsole 112 of the footwear 100, in alternative embodiments, the film 116 can alternatively be present as one or more segments that are present at separate, discrete locations on the bottom surface 144 of the outsole 112. For instance, as shown in FIG. 11, the film 116 can alternatively be present as a first segment 116A secured to the bottom surface 144 at the forefoot region 122, such as in the interstitial region between the traction elements 114 of cluster 147A; a second segment 116B secured to the bottom surface 144 at the midfoot region 124, such as in the interstitial region between the traction elements 114 of cluster 147B; and/or a third segment 116C secured to the bottom surface 144 at the heal region 126, such as in the interstitial region between the traction elements 114 of cluster 147C. In each of these examples, the remaining regions of the bottom surface 144 can be free of the film 116.

In some arrangements, the film 116 may include one or more segments secured to the bottom surface 144 at a region 178 between the clusters 147A and 147B, at a region 180 between the clusters 147B and 147C, or both. For example, the film 116 may include a first segment present on the bottom surface 144 that encompasses the locations of segment 116A, the region 178, and segment 116B as well at the location of region 178; and a second segment corresponding to the segment 116B (at the cluster 147C). As also shown in FIG. 11, the segments of the film 116 (e.g., segments 116A, 116B, and 116C) can optionally have surface dimensions that conform to the overall geometry of the backing plate 136, such as to conform to the contours of the ridges 148, the traction elements 114, and the like.

In another arrangement, the bottom surface 144 may include a front edge region 182 between the front edge 128 and the cluster 147A (and optionally include a front portion of the cluster 147A) that is free of the film 116. As some of the examples of the film 116 may be lubricious when partially or fully saturated, having the film 116 present in the front edge region 182 of the bottom surface 144 can potentially impact traction and ball handling during sports. Furthermore, soil accumulation is typically most prominent in the interstitial regions of the clusters 147A, 147B, and 147C, in comparison to the front edge 128.

Furthermore, the backing plate 136 can also include one or more recessed pockets, such as a pocket 188 shown in FIG. 12, in which the film 116 or a sub-segment of the film 116 can reside. This can potentially increase the durability of the film 116 by protecting it from lateral delamination stresses. For instance, the backing plate 136 can include a pocket 188 in the interstitial region of cluster 147C, where the sub-segment 116C of the film 116 can be secured to the bottom surface 144 within the pocket 188. In this case, the dry-state thickness 160 of the film 116 can vary relative to a depth 190 of the pocket 188.

In some embodiments, the depth 190 of the pocket 188 can range from 80% to 120%, from 90% to 110%, or from 95% to 105% of the dry-state thickness 160 of the film 116. Moreover, in embodiments in which the backing plate 136 includes multiple pockets 188, each pocket 188 may have the same depth 190 or the depths 190 may independently vary as desired. As can be appreciated, the increased bonding of the film 116 due to the recessed pocket 188 can potentially reduce the swelling of the film 116 when partially or fully saturated. However, a significant portion of the film 116 can be offset enough from the walls of the pocket 188 such that these interfacial bonds (relative to the dry-state thickness 160) will minimally affect the swelling and water-absorbing performance of the film 116.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative design for the engagement between the film 116 and the bottom surface 144. In this case, the backing plate 136 can include one or more recessed indentations 192 having any suitable pattern(s), and in which portions of the film 116 extend into the indentations 192 to increase the interfacial bond surface area between the film 116 and the bottom surface 144 of the backing plate 136. For example, the indentations 192 can be present as one or more geometrically-shaped holes (e.g., circular, rectangular, or other geometric shapes) or irregularly-shaped holes in the backing plate 136, one or more trenches or channels extending partially or fully along the backing plate 136 (in the lateral, longitudinal, or diagonal directions), and the like.

In these embodiments, the film 116 can have two (or more) thicknesses depending on whether a given portion of the film 116 extends into one of the indentations. For ease of discussion and readability, the dry-state thickness 160 of the film 116, as used herein, refers to a portion of the film 116 (in a dry state) that does not extend into one of the indentations, such as at locations 194. As such, the dry-state thickness 160 shown in FIG. 13 is the same as the dry-state thickness 160 shown above in FIG. 5.

Each indentation 192 may independently have a depth 196, which can range from 1% to 200%, from 25% to 150%, or from 50% to 100% of the dry-state thickness 160 of the film 116. In these locations, the dry-state thickness of the film 116 is the sum of the dry-state thickness 160 and the depth 196. An interesting result of this arrangement is that the film 116 can potentially swell to different partially or fully saturated-state thicknesses 164. In particular, because the amount that the film 116 swells depends on the initial, dry-state thickness of the film 116, and because the portions of the film 116 at the indentations 192 have greater dry-state thicknesses compared to the portions of the film 116 at locations 194, this can result in a non-planar swelling of the film 116, as depicted by broken lines 198. The particular dimensions of the non-planar swelling can vary depending on the relative dry-state thicknesses of the film 116, the depth 196 of the indentations 192, the extent of saturation of the film 116, the particular composition of the film 116, and the like.

FIG. 14 illustrates a variation on the indentations 192 shown above in FIG. 13. In the design shown in FIG. 14, the indentations 192 can also extend in-plane with the backing plate 136 to form locking members 200 (e.g., arms or flanged heads). This design can also be produced with co-extrusion or injection molding techniques, and can further assist in mechanically locking the film 116 to the backing plate 136.

As discussed above, the outsole 112 with the film 116 is particularly suitable for use in global football/soccer applications. However, the film 116 can also be used in combination with other types of footwear 100, such as for articles of footwear 100 for golf (shown in FIG. 15), for baseball (shown in FIG. 16), and for American football (shown in FIG. 17), each of which can include traction elements 114 as cleats, studs, and the like.

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment in which the film 116 is positioned on one or more portions of the outsole 112 and/or cleats 114 in an article of golf footwear 100. In some cases, the film 116 is present on one or more locations of the ground-facing surface of the outsole 112 except the cleats 114 (e.g., a non-cleated surface, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 1 for the global football/soccer footwear 100). Alternatively or additionally, the film 116 can be present as one or more film segments 116D on one or more surfaces between tread patterns 202 on ground-facing surface of the outsole 112.

Alternatively or additionally, the film 116 can be incorporated onto one or more surfaces of the cleats 114. For example, the film 116 can also be on central region of cleat 114 between the shafts/spikes 150A, such as where each cleat 114 is screwed into or otherwise mounted to the outsole 112 backing plate 136, and has a generally flat central base region 158A (i.e., where the film 116 is located) and three shafts/spikes 150A arranged around the perimeter of the central region 158A.

In such embodiments, remaining regions of the outsole 112 can be free of the film 116. For example, the cleats 114 having film 116 can be separate components that can be secured to the outsole 112 (e.g., screwed or snapped in), where the outsole 112 itself can be free of the film 116. In other words, the film-covered cleats 114 can be provided as components for use with standard footwear not otherwise containing the 116 (e.g., golf shoes or otherwise).

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment in which the film 116 is positioned on one or more portions of the outsole 112 in an article of baseball footwear 100. In some cases, the film 116 is present on one or more locations of the ground-facing surface of the outsole 112 except the cleats 114 (e.g., a non-cleated surface, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 1 for the global football/soccer footwear 100). Alternatively or additionally, the film 116 can be present as one or more film segments 116D on one or more recessed surfaces 204 in the ground-facing surface of the outsole 112, which recessed surfaces 204 can include the cleats 114 therein (e.g., film 116 is located only in one or more of the recessed surfaces 204, but not substantially on the cleats).

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment in which the film 116 is positioned on one or more portions of the outsole 112 in an article of American football footwear 100. In some cases, the film 116 is present on one or more locations of the ground-facing surface of the outsole 112 except the cleats 114 (e.g., a non-cleated surface, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 1 for the global football/soccer footwear 100). Alternatively or additionally, the film 116 can be present as one or more film segments 116D on one or more recessed surfaces 204 in the ground-facing surface of the outsole 112, which recessed surfaces 204 can include the cleats 114 therein (e.g., film 116 is located only in one or more of the recessed surfaces 204, but not substantially on the cleats).

FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment in which the film 116 is positioned on one or more portions of the outsole 112 in an article of hiking footwear 100 (e.g., hiking shoes or boots). As illustrated, the traction elements 114 are in the form of lugs 114D which are integrally formed with and protrude from the outsole 112 bottom surface 144. In some cases, the film 116 is present on one or more locations of the bottom surface 144 of the outsole 112 except the lugs 114D. For example, the film 116 can be located on recessed surfaces 204 between adjacent lugs 114D (e.g., but not substantially on the 114D).

The foregoing discussions of footwear 100 and outsole 112 have been made above in the context of footwear having traction elements (e.g., traction elements 114), such as cleats, studs, spikes, lugs, and the like. However, footwear 100 having film 116 can also be designed for any suitable activity, such as running, track and field, rugby, cycling, tennis, and the like. In these embodiments, one or more segments of the film 116 are preferably located in interstitial regions between the traction elements, such as in the interstitial grooves of a running shoe tread pattern.

As discussed above, the outsole films of the present disclosure, such as the film 116 for use with outsole 112 (and footwear 100), can compositionally include a film material that allows the outsole film to take up water. As used herein, the terms “take up”, “taking up”, “uptake”, “uptaking”, and the like refer to the drawing of a liquid (e.g., water) from an external source into the film, such as by absorption, adsorption, or both. Furthermore, as briefly mentioned above, the term “water” refers to an aqueous liquid that can be pure water, or can be an aqueous carrier with lesser amounts of dissolved, dispersed or otherwise suspended materials (e.g., particulates, other liquids, and the like).

The ability of the outsole film (e.g., the film 116) to uptake water and to correspondingly swell and increase in compliance can reflect its ability to prevent soil accumulation during use with an article of footwear (e.g., footwear 100). As discussed above, when the outsole film takes up water (e.g., through absorption, adsorption, capillary action, etc. . . . ), the water taken up by the outsole film transitions the outsole film from a dry, relatively more rigid state to a partially or fully saturated state that is relatively more compliant. When the outsole film is then subjected to an application of pressure, either compressive or flexing, the outsole film can reduce in volume, such as to expel at least a portion of its water.

This expelled water is believed to reduce the adhesive/cohesive forces of soil particles at the outsole, which taken alone, or more preferably in combination with the film compliance, can prevent or otherwise reduce soil accumulation at the outsole. Accordingly, the outsole film can undergo dynamic transitions during and between foot strikes, such as while a wearer is running or walking, and these dynamic transitions can result in forces which dislodge accumulated soil or otherwise reduce soil accumulation on the outsole as well.

Based on the multiple interacting mechanisms involved in reducing or preventing soil accumulation on the outsoles of the present disclosure, it has been found that different properties can be good at predicting soil-shedding performance. For instance, the article of footwear of the present disclosure (e.g., the footwear 100), the outsole (e.g., the outsole 114), and the outsole film (e.g., the film 116) can be characterized in terms of the outsole film's water uptake capacity and rate, swell capacity, contact angle when wet, coefficient of friction when wet and dry, reduction in storage modulus from dry to wet, reduction in glass transition temperature from dry to wet, and the like.

The terms “Footwear Sampling Procedure”, “Co-Extruded Film Sampling Procedure”, “Neat Film Sampling Procedure”, “Neat Material Sampling Procedure”, “Water Uptake Capacity Test”, “Water Uptake Rate Test”, “Swelling Capacity Test”, “Contact Angle Test”, “Coefficient of Friction Test”, “Storage Modulus Test”, “Glass Transition Temperature Test”, “Impact Energy Test”, and “Soil Shedding Footwear Test” as used herein refer to the respective sampling procedures and test methodologies described in the Property Analysis And Characterization Procedure section below. These sampling procedures and test methodologies characterize the properties of the recited materials, films, outsoles, footwear, and the like, and are not required to be performed as active steps in the claims.

For example, in some aspects, the outsole film as secured to a footwear outsole has a water uptake capacity at 24 hours greater than 40% by weight, as characterized by the Water Uptake Capacity Test with the Footwear Sampling Procedure, each as described below. It is believed that if a particular outsole film is not capable of taking up greater than 40% by weight in water within a 24-hour period, either due to its water uptake rate being too slow, or its ability to take up water is too low (e.g., due to its thinness, not enough material may be present, or the overall capacity of the material to take up water is too low), then the outsole film will not be effective in preventing or reducing soil accumulation.

In further aspects, the outsole film as secured to a footwear outsole has a water uptake capacity at 24 hours greater than 50% by weight, greater than 100% by weight, greater than 150% by weight, or greater than 200% by weight. In other aspects, the outsole film as secured to a footwear outsole has a water uptake capacity at 24 hours less than 900% by weight, less than 750% by weight, less than 600% by weight, or less than 500% by weight.

In some particular aspects, the outsole film as secured to a footwear outsole has a water uptake capacity at 24 hours ranging from 40% by weight to 900% by weight. For example, the outsole film can have a water uptake capacity ranging from 100% by weight to 900% by weight, from 100% by weight to 750% by weight, from 100% by weight to 700% by weight, from 150% by weight to 600% by weight, from 200% by weight to 500% by weight, or from 300% by weight to 500% by weight.

These water uptake capacities are determined by the Water Uptake Capacity Test with the Footwear Sampling Procedure, and can apply to samples taken at any suitable representative location along the outsole, where the samples may be acquired pursuant to the Footwear Sampling Procedure. In some cases, samples can be taken from one or more of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and/or the heel region; from each of the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and the heel region; from within one or more of the traction element clusters (between the traction elements) at the forefoot region, the midfoot region, and/or the heel region; from of the traction element clusters; on planar regions of the traction elements (for embodiments in which the outsole film is present on the traction elements), and combinations thereof.

As discussed below, the water uptake capacity of the outsole film can alternatively be measured in a simulated environment with the outsole film co-extruded with a backing substrate. The backing substrate can be produced from any suitable material that is compatible with the outsole film, such as a material used to form an outsole backing plate. As such, suitable water uptake capacities at 24 hours for the outsole film as co-extruded with a backing substrate, as characterized by the Water Uptake Capacity Test with the Co-extruded Film Sampling Procedure, include those discussed above for the Water Uptake Capacity Test with the Footwear Sampling Procedure.

Additionally, it has been found that when the outsole film is secured to another surface, such as being thermally or adhesively bonded to an outsole substrate (e.g., an outsole backing plate), the interfacial bond formed between the outsole film and the outsole substrate can restrict the extent that the outsole film can take up water and/or swell. As such, it is believed that the outsole film as bonded to an outsole substrate or co-extruded backing substrate can potentially have a lower water uptake capacity and/or a lower swell capacity compared to the same outsole film in a neat film form or a neat material form.

As such, the water uptake capacity and the water uptake rate of the outsole film can also be characterized based on the outsole film in neat form (i.e., an isolated film that is not bonded to another material). The outsole film in neat form can have a water uptake capacity at 24 hours greater than 40% by weight, greater than 100% by weight, greater than 300% by weight, or greater than 1000% by weight, as characterized by the Water Uptake Capacity Test with the Neat Film Sampling Procedure. The outsole film in neat form can also have a water uptake capacity at 24 hours less than 900% by weight, less than 800% by weight, less than 700% by weight, less than 600% by weight, or less than 500% by weight.

In some particular aspects, the outsole film in neat form has a water uptake capacity at 24 hours ranging from 40% by weight to 900% by weight, from 150% by weight to 700% by weight, from 200% by weight to 600% by weight, or from 300% by weight to 500% by weight.

The outsole film as secured to a footwear outsole (or other footwear component) may also have a water uptake rate greater than 20 grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)), as characterized by the Water Uptake Rate Test with the Footwear Sampling Procedure. As discussed above, in some aspects, the outsole film (e.g., the film 116) can take up water between the compressive cycles of foot strikes, which is believed to at least partially replenish the outsole film between the foot strikes.

As such, in further aspects, the outsole film as secured to a footwear outsole has a water uptake rate greater than 20 grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)), greater than 100 grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)), greater than 200 grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)), greater than 400 grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)), or greater than 600 grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)). In some particular embodiments, the outsole film as secured to a footwear outsole has a water uptake rate ranging from 1 to 1,500 grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)), 20 to 1,300 grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)), from 30 to 1,200 grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)), from 30 to 800 grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)), from 100 to 800 grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)), from 100 to 600 grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)), from 150 to 450 grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)), from 200 to 1,000 grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)), from 400 to 1,000 grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)), or from 600 to 900 grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)).

Suitable water uptake rates for the outsole film as secured to a co-extruded backing substrate, as characterized by the Water Uptake Rate Test with the Co-extruded Film Sampling Procedure, and as provided in neat form, as characterized by the Water Uptake Rate Test with the Neat Film Sampling Procedure, each include those discussed above for the Water Uptake Rate Test with the Footwear Sampling Procedure.

In certain aspects, the outsole film as secured to a footwear outsole can also swell, increasing the film's thickness and/or volume, due to water uptake. This swelling of the outsole film can be a convenient indicator showing that the outsole film is taking up water, and can assist in rendering the outsole film compliant. In some aspects, the outsole film as secured to a footwear outsole has an increase in film thickness (or swell thickness increase) at 1 hour of greater than 20% or greater than 50%, for example ranging from 30% to 350%, from 50% to 400%, from 50% to 300%, from 100% to 300%, from 100% to 200%, or from 150% to 250%, as characterized by the Swelling Capacity Test with the Footwear Sampling Procedure. In some further aspects, the outsole film as secured to a footwear outsole has an increase in film thickness at 24 hours ranging from 45% to 400%, from 100% to 350%, or from 150% to 300%.

Additionally, the outsole film as secured to a footwear outsole can have an increase in film volume (or volumetric swell increase) at 1 hour of greater than 50%, for example ranging from 10% to 130%, from 30% to 100%, or from 50% to 90%. Moreover, the outsole film as secured to a footwear outsole can have an increase in film volume at 24 hours ranging from 25% to 200%, from 50% to 150%, or from 75% to 100%.

For co-extruded film simulations, suitable increases in film thickness and volume at 1 hour and 24 hours for the outsole film as secured to a co-extruded backing substrate, as characterized by the Swelling Capacity Test with the Co-extruded Film Sampling Procedure, include those discussed above for the Swelling Capacity Test with the Footwear Sampling Procedure.

The outsole film in neat form can have an increase in film thickness at 1 hour ranging from 35% to 400%, from 50% to 300%, or from 100% to 200%, as characterized by the Swelling Capacity Test with the Neat Film Sampling Procedure. In some further embodiments, the outsole film in neat form can have an increase in film thickness at 24 hours ranging 45% to 500%, from 100% to 400%, or from 150% to 300%. Correspondingly, the outsole film in neat form can have an increase in film volume at 1 hour ranging from 50% to 500%, from 75% to 400%, or from 100% to 300%.

As also discussed above, in some aspects, the surface of the outsole film preferably exhibits hydrophilic properties. The hydrophilic properties of the outsole film surface can be characterized by determining the static sessile drop contact angle of the film's surface. Accordingly, in some examples, the outsole film in a dry state has a static sessile drop contact angle (or dry-state contact angle) of less than 105°, or less than 95°, less than 85°, as characterized by the Contact Angle Test (independent of film sampling process). In some further examples, the outsole film in a dry state has a static sessile drop contact angle ranging from 60° to 100°, from 70° to 100°, or from 65° to 95°.

In other examples, the outsole film in a saturated state has a static sessile drop contact angle (or wet-state contact angle) of less than 90°, less than 80°, less than 70°, or less than 60°. In some further examples, the outsole film in a saturated state has a static sessile drop contact angle ranging from 45° to 75°. In some cases, the dry-state static sessile drop contact angle of the outsole film surface is greater than the wet-state static sessile drop contact angle of the outsole film surface by at least 10°, at least 15°, or at least 20°, for example from 10° to 40°, from 10° to 30°, or from 10° to 20°.

The surface of the outsole film (and of the outsole in general) can also exhibit a low coefficient of friction when the outsole film partially for fully saturated. Examples of suitable coefficients of friction for the outsole film in a dry state (or dry-state coefficient of friction) are less than 1.5, for instance ranging from 0.3 to 1.3, or from 0.3 to 0.7, as characterized by the Coefficient of Friction Test (independent of film sampling process). Examples of suitable coefficients of friction for the outsole film in a saturated state (or wet-state coefficient of friction) are less than 0.8 or less than 0.6, for instance ranging from 0.05 to 0.6, from 0.1 to 0.6, or from 0.3 to 0.5. Furthermore, the outsole film can exhibit a reduction in its coefficient of friction from its dry state to its saturated state, such as a reduction ranging from 15% to 90%, or from 50% to 80%. In some cases, the dry-state coefficient of friction is greater than the wet-state coefficient of friction for the outsole film, for example being higher by a value of at least 0.3 or 0.5, such as 0.3 to 1.2 or 0.5 to 1.

Furthermore, the compliance of the outsole film can be characterized by its storage modulus in the dry state (when equilibrated at 0% relative humidity (RH)), in a partially wetted state (e.g., when equilibrated at 50% RH), and in a wetted state (when equilibrated at 90% RH), and by reductions in its storage modulus between the dry and saturated states. In particular, the outsole film can have a reduction in storage modulus (ΔE′) from the dry state relative to the wetted state. A reduction in storage modulus as the water concentration in the outsole film increases corresponds to an increase in compliance, because less stress is required for a given strain/deformation.

In some embodiments, the outsole film exhibits a reduction in the storage modulus from its dry state to its saturated state of more than 20%, more than 40%, more than 60%, more than 75%, more than 90%, or more than 99%, relative to the storage modulus in the dry state, and as characterized by the Storage Modulus Test with the Neat Film Sampling Process or the Neat Material Sampling Process.

In some further embodiments, the dry-state storage modulus of the outsole film is greater than its wet-state (or saturated-state) storage modulus by more than 25 megaPascals (MPa), by more than 50 MPa, by more than 100 MPa, by more than 300 MPa, or by more than 500 MPa, for example ranging from 25 MPa to 800 MPa, from 50 MPa to 800 MPa, from 100 MPa to 800 MPa, from 200 MPa to 800 MPa, from 400 MPa to 800 MPa, from 25 MPa to 200 MPa, from 25 MPa to 100 MPa, or from 50 MPa to 200 MPa. Additionally, the dry-state storage modulus can range from 40 MPa to 800 MPa, from 100 MPa to 600 MPa, or from 200 MPa to 400 MPa, as characterized by the Storage Modulus Test. Additionally, the wet-state storage modulus can range from 0.003 MPa to 100 MPa, from 1 MPa to 60 MPa, or from 20 MPa to 40 MPa.

In addition to a reduction in storage modulus, the outsole film (or a crosslinked polymeric material on an outsole external surface) can also exhibit a reduction in its glass transition temperature from the dry state (when equilibrated at 0% relative humidity (RH) to the wetted state (when equilibrated at 90% RH). While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the water taken up by the outsole film plasticizes the outsole film, which reduces its storage modulus and its glass transition temperature, rendering the outsole film more compliant (e.g., compressible, expandable, and stretchable).

In some embodiments, the outsole film can exhibit a reduction in glass transition temperature (ΔT_(g)) from its dry-state glass transition temperature to its wet-state glass transition temperature of more than a 5° C. difference, more than a 6° C. difference, more than a 10° C. difference, or more than a 15° C. difference, as characterized by the Glass Transition Temperature Test with the Neat Film Sampling Process or the Neat Material Sampling Process. For instance, the reduction in glass transition temperature (ΔT_(g)) can range from more than a 5° C. difference to a 40° C. difference, from more than a 6° C. difference to a 50° C. difference, form more than a 10° C. difference to a 30° C. difference, from more than a 30° C. difference to a 45° C. difference, or from a 15° C. difference to a 20° C. difference. The outsole film can also exhibit a dry glass transition temperature ranging from −40° C. to −80° C., or from −40° C. to −60° C.

Alternatively (or additionally), the reduction in glass transition temperature (ΔT_(g)) can range from a 5° C. difference to a 40° C. difference, form a 10° C. difference to a 30° C. difference, or from a 15° C. difference to a 20° C. difference. The outsole film can also exhibit a dry glass transition temperature ranging from −40° C. to −80° C., or from −40° C. to −60° C.

In some further aspects, the outsole film can exhibit a soil shedding ability with a relative impact energy ranging from 0 to 0.9, from 0.2 to 0.7, or from 0.4 to 0.5, as characterized by the Impact Energy Test with the Co-extruded Film Sampling Procedure. Moreover, the outsole film (e.g., the film 116) is preferably durable enough, and has a sufficient bond to the outsole backing plate, for use over extended durations in game play. For instance, it has been found that the outsole film of the present disclosure can, in some aspects, continue to perform without significant visual abrasion or delamination for more than 80 or 100 hours, as discussed above.

In particular aspects, the outsoles of the present disclosure compositionally include a dispersion. The dispersion can include a polymeric continuous phase, and particles of a hydrophilic dispersant that are dispersed within the polymeric continuous phase, forming a dispersion of the hydrophilic polymers (or dispersant) in the polymeric continuous phase. The hydrophilic dispersants include materials that are capable of taking up water into the overall dispersion. When present as a dispersant in the polymeric continuous phase, the hydrophilic dispersants draw water into the dispersion, and in some cases, can promote swelling of the dispersion.

The outsoles of the present disclosure can include the dispersion as disclosed herein. In other words, in some aspects, the outsole can be formed entirely of the dispersion. Alternatively, the dispersion can be secured to at least a portion of a ground-facing surface of the outsole (e.g., as a film). In these embodiments, the dispersion constitutes more than 50% by weight of the entire film material for the outsole film, or more than 75% by weight, or more 85% by weight, or more than 95% by weight.

The dispersion can be secured directly to at least a portion of a ground-facing surface of the outsole. In some aspects, the dispersion can be thermally bonded to the outsole. In other aspects, the dispersion can be attached to the outsole by an adhesive tie layer. For example, a first side of the tie layer is directly attached to the outsole, while a second side of the tie layer is in direct contact with the dispersion. The second side of the tie layer which is in direct contact with the dispersion can be secured to the dispersion, or the dispersion may not be secured to the tie layer.

The tie layer can include a polymeric material, where the polymeric material of the tie layer can be present in the form of a sheet, a non-woven textile, a knit, braided or woven textile, and the like. The tie layer can have a moisture vapor transmission rate of greater than 0.4 g-mil/100 in., or of greater than 1 g-mil/100 in., or of greater than of greater than 5 g-mil/100 in., or of greater than of greater than 10 g-mil/100 in. The moisture vapor transmission rate can be determined using any method known in the art, such as, for example, ASTM E398.

In some aspects, the dispersion can define an exterior surface of the outsole. Alternatively, a water-permeable membrane can define an exterior surface of the outsole, and can be in direct contact with the dispersion. For example, at least a portion of the exterior surface of the outsole is defined by a first side of the water-permeable membrane, with the dispersion below a second side of the water-permeable membrane and in direct contact with the second side. In other words, the dispersion can form a layer of material between the second side of the membrane and a ground-facing surface of the outsole. In some aspects, a tie layer as described above can be present between the dispersion and the ground-facing surface of the outsole.

The level of water permeability of the water-permeable membrane is preferably sufficient for water to rapidly partition from the exterior surface of the outsole (i.e., the first side of the membrane), across the second side of the membrane, and into the dispersion of the present disclosure. For example, the level of water permeability of the water-permeable membrane can be sufficient for a sample of the outsole obtained in accordance with the Footwear Sampling Procedure to have a water uptake capacity of greater than 40% by weight at 24 hours.

The level of water permeability of the water-permeable membrane can be sufficient for a sample of the outsole obtained in accordance with the Footwear Sampling Procedure to have a water uptake capacity of greater than 40% by weight at 1 hour. In some cases, depending upon the nature of the dispersion and/or the water-permeable membrane, it may be impractical to test a sample cut from the outsole. In such cases, the water uptake capacity can be conducted on an entire outsole or article of footwear, and the calculation can be adjusted based on the weight of the dispersion present in the outsole or article of footwear.

The polymeric continuous phase of the dispersion can include any polymer capable of forming a continuous phase into which a hydrophilic dispersant can be dispersed. For example, the polymer of the polymeric continuous phase can include a polyurethane, a polyamide, a polyolefin, a copolyester, an elastomer, and combinations thereof (e.g., a polyurethane and a polyamide; a polyurethane and a polyolefin; a polyamide and a polyolefin; or a polyurethane, a polyamide, and a polyolefin, etc.). In preferred embodiments, the polymer of the polymeric continuous phase is a thermoplastic polymer.

In some aspects, the polymer of the polymeric continuous phase is hydrophobic, and of itself, does not take up water (without the assistance of the hydrophilic dispersant). In other embodiments, the polymer of the polymeric continuous phase is hydrophilic, where the hydrophilic dispersant and the polymer of the polymeric continuous phase collectively take up water.

Additionally, in some embodiments, such as when the polymer of the polymeric continuous phase is hydrophobic, the polymeric continuous phase is crosslinked (physically or covalently) to provide a crosslinked polymer network. In this case, the hydrophilic dispersant can be dispersed (e.g., homogenously) throughout the crosslinked polymer network, or throughout one or more sub-portions of the crosslinked polymer network.

Alternatively, in other embodiments, such as when the polymer of the polymeric continuous phase is hydrophilic or hydrophobic, the polymeric continuous phase can be non-crosslinked. This aspect is particularly suitable for use in combination with a water-permeable membrane, which can prevent the non-crosslinked polymers from disassociating when the dispersion is saturated with water (i.e., the membrane can mechanically retain the dispersion against the outsole substrate). In some aspects, the hydrophilic polymer of the polymeric continuous phase is a superabsorbent polymer.

The polymer of the polymeric continuous phase can optionally include a chain extender to form a bridge between two or more monomers. The chain extender can have a molecular weight of about 20 to about 400, or about 20 to about 300, or about 20 to about 200, or about 20 to about 200, or about 20 to about 100. In some aspects, the chain extender has a molecular weight of about 60 to about 400, or about 60 to about 300, or about 60, to about 200, or about 60 to about 100.

The polymeric continuous phase described herein can be a crosslinked polymeric continuous phase, where crosslinks interconnect multiple polymer chains to form the polymeric continuous phase. The crosslinks can be physical crosslinks, covalent crosslinks, or can include both physical and covalent crosslinks (within the same polymeric continuous phase).

For a physical crosslink, a copolymer chain can form entangled regions and/or crystalline regions through non-covalent (non-bonding) interactions, such as, for example, an ionic bond, a polar bond, and/or a hydrogen bond. In particular, the crystalline regions create the physical crosslink between the copolymer chains whereas the non-bonding interactions form the crystalline domains. These crosslinked polymers can exhibit sol-gel reversibility, allowing them to function as thermoplastic polymers, which can be advantageous for manufacturing and recyclability.

For a covalent crosslink, one polymer chain is linked to one or more additional polymer chains with one or more covalent bonds, typically with a linking segment or chain. Covalently crosslinked polymers (e.g., thermoset and photocured continuous phases) can be prepared by covalently linking the polymer chains together using one or more multi-functional compounds, such as, for example, a molecule having at least two ethylenically-unsaturated groups, at least two oxirane groups (e.g., diepoxides), or combinations thereof (e.g., glycidyl methacrylate); and can also include any suitable intermediate chain segment, such as C₁₋₃₀, C₂₋₂₀, or C₂₋₁₀ hydrocarbon, polyether, or polyester chain segments. The multi-functional compounds can include at least three functional groups selected from the group consisting of isocyanidyl, hydroxyl, amino, sulfhydryl, carboxyl or derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

In some aspects, such as when the polymer include a polyurethane, the multi-functional compound can be a polyol having three or more hydroxyl groups (e.g., glycerol, trimethylolpropane, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, trimethylolethane) or a polyisocyanate having three or more isocyanate groups. In some cases, such as when the polymer include a polyamide, the multi-functional compound can include, for example, carboxylic acids or activated forms thereof having three or more carboxyl groups (or activated forms thereof), polyamines having three or more amino groups, and polyols having three or more hydroxyl groups (e.g., glycerol, trimethylolpropane, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, and trimethylolethane). In various cases, such as when the polymer include a polyolefin, the multi-functional compound can be a compound having two ethylenically-unsaturated groups.

It has been found that the crosslinking density of the crosslinked polymeric continuous phase can impact the structural integrity and water uptake capacities of the outsole film (e.g., the film 116). If the crosslinking density is too high, the resulting outsole film can be stiff and less compliant, which can reduce its water uptake and swelling capacity. On the other hand, if the crosslinking density is too low, then the resulting outsole film can lose its structural integrity when saturated. As such, the polymeric continuous phase of the dispersion preferably has a balanced crosslinking density such that the outsole film retains its structural integrity, yet is also sufficiently compliant when partially or fully saturated with water.

The hydrophilic dispersant of the dispersion can comprise a hydrophilic bead, particle, or particulate having an average particle size ranging from about 10 micrometers to 1 millimeter, or about 100 micrometers to 500 micrometers, or about 10 micrometers to 100 micrometers. The hydrophilic dispersant can be present in the dispersion in a concentration in a range of from 5% by weight to 85% by weight, or from 5% by weight to 70% by weight, or from 10% by weight to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of the dispersion. The hydrophilic dispersant can be present in the dispersion in a concentration in a range of from 5% by weight to 40% by weight, based on an entire weight of the dispersion. The hydrophilic dispersant can be present in the dispersion in a concentration in a range of from 10% by weight to 20% weight, based on an entire weight of the dispersion.

In some aspects, the hydrophilic dispersant can comprise a superabsorbent polymer. In various cases, the hydrophilic dispersant can comprise cellulose, polyether (e.g., polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol), polyacrylic acid and derivatives and salts thereof, and combinations thereof. Examples of hydrophilic dispersants include “SEA-SLIDE” (Hydromer, Branchburg, N.J.), “HYSORB” and “SALCARE SC91” (BASF, Wyandotte, Mich.), or “CREABLOCK SIS” (Evonik, Mobile, Ala.), “WASTE LOCK PAM” (M² Polymer Technologies, Inc., Dundee Township, Ill.), and “AQUA KEEP” (Sumitomo Seika, New York, N.Y.).

The hydrophilic dispersant can be a crosslinked polymer, as previously described herein. The hydrophilic dispersant can be a covalently crosslinked polymer, or can be a physically crosslinked polymer, or can be a polymer which is both physically and covalently crosslinked. For example, the hydrophilic dispersant can include covalent crosslinks formed using crosslinkers derived from materials such as polyacrylates, polyamides, polyvinyl compounds (e.g., ethylene glycol diacrylate, N,N-methylenebisacrylamide, divinylbenzyene,).

In various aspects, the hydrophilic dispersant includes a polymer selected from the group consisting of forms of polyethylene glycol, polyacrylic acid and derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

In some aspects, the polymeric continuous phase can include polyurethane chains that are physically and/or covalently crosslinked (referred to as a “polyurethane continuous phase”). The polyurethane continuous phase can be produced by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with one or more polyols to produce copolymer chains having carbamate linkages, as illustrated below in Formula 1, where the isocyanate(s) each preferably include two or more isocyanate (—NCO) groups per molecule, such as 2, 3, or 4 isocyanate groups per molecule (although, single-functional isocyanates can also be optionally included, e.g., as chain terminating units).

In these aspects, each R₁ independently is an aliphatic or aromatic segment, and each R₂ is as described herein.

Unless otherwise indicated, any of the functional groups or chemical compounds described herein can be substituted or unsubstituted. A “substituted” group or chemical compound, such as an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxyl, ester, ether, or carboxylic ester refers to an alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, alkoxyl, ester, ether, or carboxylic ester group, has at least one hydrogen radical that is substituted with a non-hydrogen radical (i.e., a substitutent). Examples of non-hydrogen radicals (or substituents) include, but are not limited to, alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, alkynyl, ether, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycloalkyl, hydroxyl, oxy (or oxo), alkoxyl, ester, thioester, acyl, carboxyl, cyano, nitro, amino, amido, sulfur, and halo. When a substituted alkyl group includes more than one non-hydrogen radical, the substituents can be bound to the same carbon or two or more different carbon atoms.

Additionally, the isocyanates can be chain extended with one or more polyol chain extenders to bridge two or more isocyanates. This can produce polyurethane copolymer chains as illustrated below in Formula 2, wherein R₃ includes the chain extender.

Each segment R₁ in Formulas 1 and 2 can independently include a linear or branched C₃₋₃₀ segment, based on the particular isocyanate(s) used, and can be aliphatic, aromatic, or include a combination of aliphatic portions(s) and aromatic portion(s). The term “aliphatic” refers to a saturated or unsaturated organic molecule that does not include a cyclically conjugated ring system having delocalized pi electrons. In comparison, the term “aromatic” refers to a cyclically conjugated ring system having delocalized pi electrons, which exhibits greater stability than a hypothetical ring system having localized pi electrons.

In aliphatic examples (from aliphatic isocyanate(s)), each segment R₁ can include a linear aliphatic group, a branched aliphatic group, a cycloaliphatic group, or combinations thereof. For instance, each segment R₁ can include a linear or branched C₃₋₂₀ alkylene group (e.g., C₄₋₁₅ alkylene or C₆₋₁₀ alkylene), one or more C₃₋₈ cycloalkylene groups (e.g., cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, or cyclooctyl), and combinations thereof.

Examples of suitable aliphatic diisocyanates for producing the polyurethane copolymer chains include hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI), isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), butylene diisocyanate (BDI), bisisocyanatocyclohexylmethane (HMDI), 2,2,4-trimethylhexamethylene diisocyanate (TMDI), bisisocyanatomethylcyclohexane, bisisocyanatomethyltricyclodecane, norbornane diisocyanate (NDI), cyclohexane diisocyanate (CHDI), 4,4′-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (H12MDI), diisocyanatododecane, lysine diisocyanate, and combinations thereof.

In aromatic examples (from aromatic isocyanate(s)), each segment R₁ can include one or more aromatic groups, such as phenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, phenanthrenyl, biphenylenyl, indanyl, indenyl, anthracenyl, and fluorenyl. Unless otherwise indicated, an aromatic group can be an unsubstituted aromatic group or a substituted aromatic group, and can also include heteroaromatic groups. “Heteroaromatic” refers to monocyclic or polycyclic (e.g., fused bicyclic and fused tricyclic) aromatic ring systems, where one to four ring atoms are selected from oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfur, and the remaining ring atoms are carbon, and where the ring system is joined to the remainder of the molecule by any of the ring atoms. Examples of suitable heteroaryl groups include pyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, tetrazolyl, oxazolyl, isooxazolyl, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, furanyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzoxazolyl, benzimidazolyl, and benzothiazolyl.

Examples of suitable aromatic diisocyanates for producing the polyurethane chains include toluene diisocyanate (TDI), TDI adducts with trimethyloylpropane (TMP), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), xylene diisocyanate (XDI), tetramethylxylylene diisocyanate (TMXDI), hydrogenated xylene diisocyanate (HXDI), naphthalene 1,5-diisocyanate (NDI), 1,5-tetrahydronaphthalene diisocyanate, para-phenylene diisocyanate (PPDI), 3,3′-dimethyldiphenyl-4,4′-diisocyanate (DDDI), 4,4′-dibenzyl diisocyanate (DBDI), 4-chloro-1,3-phenylene diisocyanate, and combinations thereof.

In particular aspects, the polyurethane chains are produced from diisocynates including HMDI, TDI, MDI, H₁₂ aliphatics, and combinations thereof.

Examples of suitable triisocyanates for producing the polyurethane copolymer chains include TDI, HDI, and IPDI adducts with trimethyloylpropane (TMP), uretdiones (i.e., dimerized isocyanates), polymeric MDI, and combinations thereof.

In some aspects, the isocyanates of the polymeric continuous phase can constitute from about 15% to about 95% by weight, or from about 30% to about 95% by weight, or from about 50% to about 90% by weight, or from about 25% to about 65% by weight, or from about 40% to about 70% by weight, or from about 55% to about 65% by weight, or from about 50% by 95% by weight, based on a total weight of the isocyanate and polyol monomers. The weight percentage of the isocyanates can be determined by any method known in the art, such as, for example Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR).

Segment R₃ in Formula 2 can include a linear or branched C₂-C₁₀ segment, based on the particular chain extender polyol used, and can be, for example, aliphatic, aromatic, or polyether. Examples of suitable chain extender polyols for producing the polyurethane copolymer chains include ethylene glycol, lower oligomers of ethylene glycol (e.g., diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, and tetraethylene glycol), 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, lower oligomers of propylene glycol (e.g., dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, and tetrapropylene glycol), 1,4-butylene glycol, 2,3-butylene glycol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,8-octanediol, neopentyl glycol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol, 2-ethyl-1,6-hexanediol, 1-methyl-1,3-propanediol, 2-methyl-1,3-propanediol, dihydroxyalkylated aromatic compounds (e.g., bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ethers of hydroquinone and resorcinol, xylene-α,α-diols, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) ethers of xylene-α,α-diols, and combinations thereof.

In aspects wherein the copolymer polyurethane chain includes Formulae 2, R₂ has a higher molecular weight than R₃.

Segment R₂ in Formulas 1 and 2 can include polyether, polyester, polycarbonate, an aliphatic group, or an aromatic group. Segment R₂ can be present in an amount of from about 5 wt. % to about 85 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. % to about 70 wt. %, or from about 10 wt. % to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the polymeric continuous phase.

In some aspects, at least one R₂ segment includes polyether. Suitable polyethers include, but are not limited to polyethylene oxide (PEO), polypropylene oxide (PPO), polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF), polytetramethylene oxide (PTMO), and combinations thereof. The term “alkyl” as used herein refers to straight chained and branched saturated hydrocarbon groups containing one to thirty carbon atoms, for example, one to twenty carbon atoms, or one to ten carbon atoms. The term C_(n) means the alkyl group has “n” carbon atoms. For example, C₄ alkyl refers to an alkyl group that has 4 carbon atoms. C₁₋₇ alkyl refers to an alkyl group having a number of carbon atoms encompassing the entire range (i.e., 1 to 7 carbon atoms), as well as all subgroups (e.g., 1-6, 2-7, 1-5, 3-6, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 carbon atoms). Nonlimiting examples of alkyl groups include, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl(2-methylpropyl), t-butyl(1,1-dimethylethyl), 3,3-dimethylpentyl, and 2-ethylhexyl. Unless otherwise indicated, an alkyl group can be an unsubstituted alkyl group or a substituted alkyl group.

In some cases, at least one R₂ segment includes polyester. The polyester can be derived from the polyesterification of one or more dihydric alcohols (e.g., ethylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 2-methylpentanediol-1,5, diethylene glycol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,5-hexanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, cyclohexanedimethanol, and combinations thereof) with one or more dicarboxylic acids (e.g., adipic acid, succinic acid, sebacic acid, suberic acid, methyladipic acid, glutaric acid, pimelic acid, azelaic acid, thiodipropionic acid and citraconic acid and combinations thereof). The polyester also can be derived from polycarbonate prepolymers, such as poly(hexamethylene carbonate)glycol, poly(propylene carbonate)glycol, poly(tetramethylene carbonate)glycol, and poly(nonanemethylene carbonate)glycol. Suitable polyesters can include, for example, polyethylene adipate (PEA), poly(1,4-butylene adipate), poly(tetramethylene adipate), poly(hexamethylene adipate), polycaprolactone, polyhexamethylene carbonate, poly(propylene carbonate), poly(tetramethylene carbonate), poly(nonanemethylene carbonate), and combinations thereof.

In various cases, at least one R₂ segment includes polycarbonate. The polycarbonate can be derived from the reaction of one or more dihydric alcohols (e.g., ethylene glycol, 1,3-propylene glycol, 1,2-propylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 2-methylpentanediol-1,5, diethylene glycol, 1,5-pentanediol, 1,5-hexanediol, 1,2-dodecanediol, cyclohexanedimethanol, and combinations thereof) with ethylene carbonate.

In various aspects, at least one R₂ segment includes an aliphatic group. In some aspects, the aliphatic group is linear and can include, for example, a C₁₋₂₀ alkylene chain or a C₁₋₂₀ alkenylene chain (e.g., methylene, ethylene, propylene, butylene, pentylene, hexylene, heptylene, octylene, nonylene, decylene, undecylene, dodecylene, tridecylene, ethenylene, propenylene, butenylene, pentenylene, hexenylene, heptenylene, octenylene, nonenylene, decenylene, undecenylene, dodecenylene, tridecenylene). The term “alkylene” refers to a bivalent hydrocarbon. The term C_(n) means the alkylene group has “n” carbon atoms. For example, C₁₋₆alkylene refers to an alkylene group having, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon atoms. The term “alkenylene” refers to a bivalent hydrocarbon having at least one double bond.

In some cases, at least one R₂ segment includes an aromatic group. Suitable aromatic groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl, naphthyl, tetrahydronaphthyl, phenanthrenyl, biphenylenyl, indanyl, indenyl, anthracenyl, fluorenylpyridyl, pyrazinyl, pyrimidinyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, thiazolyl, tetrazolyl, oxazolyl, isooxazolyl, thiadiazolyl, oxadiazolyl, furanyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, benzoxazolyl, benzimidazolyl, and benzothiazolyl.

In some aspects, the polymeric continuous phase include copolymer chains that are derivatives of polyurethane. These polymeric continuous phases can be crosslinked continuous phases. These continuous phases can be produced by polymerizing one or more isocyanates with one or more polyamino compounds, polysulfhydryl compounds, or combinations thereof, as shown in Formulas 3 and 4, below:

wherein the variables are as described above. Additionally, the isocyanates can also be chain extended with one or more polyamino or polythiol chain extenders to bridge two or more isocyanates, such as previously described for the polyurethanes of Formula 2.

The polyurethane of the polymeric continuous phase can contain physical crosslinks, covalent crosslinks, or both. In some aspects, the continuous phase can include a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Commercially available TPU polymers suitable for the present use include, but are not limited to, “DESMOPAN 8795” (Bayer, Whippany, N.J.), “ESTANE” (Lubrizol, Countryside, Ill.), “ELASTOLLAN” (BASF, Wyandotte, Mich.), and the like.

In other cases, the polyurethane contains chemical crosslinks. Suitable crosslinkers for polyurethanes include polyols having three or more hydroxyl groups (e.g., glycerol, trimethylolpropane, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, trimethylolethane,) and polyisocyanates having three or more isocyanate groups. In some aspects, the polyurethane can be crosslinked by introducing unsaturation into the polymer backbone, and reacting the polymer backbone with a dialkenyl crosslinker under radical conditions (e.g., with peroxide, heat, or light). Such crosslinking reactions are well known to those skilled in the art.

In some aspects, the polymeric continuous phase comprises or consists essentially of a polyamide. The polyamide can be formed from the polycondensation of polyamide prepolymers and a diol.

In some aspects, the polyamide of the polymeric continuous phase can be derived from the condensation of polyamide prepolymers, such as lactams, amino acids, and/or diamino compounds with dicarboxylic acids (or activated forms thereof). The term “amino acid” refers to a molecule having at least one amino group and at least one carboxyl group.

In some aspects, the polyamide of the polymeric continuous phase is derived from the polycondensation of lactams and/or amino acids, and includes an amide segment having amide linkages, as shown in Formula 5, below:

In some aspects, R₆ is derived from a lactam. In some cases, R₆ is derived from a C₃₋₂₀ lactam, or a C₄₋₁₅ lactam, or a C₆₋₁₂ lactam. For example, R₆ can be derived from caprolactam or laurolactam. In some cases, R₆ is derived from one or more amino acids. In various cases, R₆ is derived from a C₄₋₂₅ amino acid, or a C₅₋₂₀ amino acid, or a C₈₋₁₅ amino acid. For example, R₆ can be derived from 12-aminolauric acid or 11-aminoundecanoic acid.

In various aspects, the polyamide of the polymeric continuous phase is derived from the condensation of diamino compounds with dicarboxylic acids, or activated forms thereof, and includes an amide segment having a structure shown in Formula 6, below:

In some aspects, R₇ is derived from a diamino compound that includes an aliphatic group having C₄₋₁₅ carbon atoms, or C₅₋₁₀ carbon atoms, or C₆₋₉ carbon atoms. In some aspects, the diamino compound includes an aromatic group, such as phenyl, naphthyl, xylyl, and tolyl. Suitable diamino compounds include, but are not limited to, hexamethylene diamine (HMD), tetramethylene diamine, trimethyl hexamethylene diamine (TMD), m-xylylene diamine (MXD), and 1,5-pentamine diamine.

In various aspects, R₈ is derived from a dicarboxylic acid or activated form thereof, includes an aliphatic group having C₄₋₁₅ carbon atoms, or C₅₋₁₂ carbon atoms, or C₆₋₁₀ carbon atoms. In some cases, the dicarboxylic acid or activated form thereof includes an aromatic group, such as phenyl, naphthyl, xylyl, and tolyl. Suitable carboxylic acids or activated forms thereof include, but are not limited to adipic acid, sebacic acid, terephthalic acid, and isophthalic acid.

In some preferred aspects, each polyamide segment is independently derived from a polyamide prepolymer selected from the group consisting of 12-aminolauric acid, caprolactam, hexamethylene diamine and adipic acid.

Additionally, the polyamide segments can also be chain extended with one or more polyamino, polycarboxyl (or derivatives thereof), or amino acid chain extenders, as previously described herein. In some aspects, the chain extender can include a diol, dithiol, amino alcohol, aminoalkyl mercaptan, hydroxyalkyl mercaptan, a phosphite or a bisacyllactam compound (e.g., triphenylphosphite, N,N′-terephthaloyl bis-laurolactam, and diphenyl isophthalate).

Each component R₂ independently is a polyether, a polyester, a polycarbonate, an aliphatic group, or an aromatic group, as previously described herein.

In some cases, component R₂ can have a weight average molecular weight of about 500 to about 10,000, or about 1000 to about 8000, or about 2000 to about 7000, or about 3000 to 6000. Further, component R₂ can be present in an amount of from about 5 wt. % to about 85 wt. %, or from about 5 wt. % to about 70 wt. %, or from about 10 wt. % to about 50 wt. %, based on the total weight of the polymeric continuous phase.

In some aspects, the polyamide of the polymeric continuous phase is physically crosslinked through, e.g., nonpolar or polar interactions between the polyamide groups on the polymers, and is a thermoplastic polyamide. In other cases, the polyamide of the polymeric continuous phase contains chemical crosslinks. Suitable crosslinkers for polyamides include, for example, carboxylic acids or activated forms thereof having three or more carboxyl groups (or activated forms thereof), polyamines having three or more amino groups, and polyols having three or more hydroxyl groups (e.g., glycerol, trimethylolpropane, 1,2,6-hexanetriol, 1,2,4-butanetriol, trimethylolethane). A commercially available thermoplastic polyamide suitable for the present use includes, but is not limited to, VESTAMID L1940 (Arkema, Bristol, Pa.).

In some aspects, the polymeric continuous phase can include a polyolefin. The polyolefin can be formed through free radical polymerization by methods well known to those skilled in the art (e.g., using a peroxide initiator, heat, and/or light.

The polyolefin of the polymeric continuous phase can include a polyacrylamide, polyacrylate, polyacrylic acid and derivatives or salts thereof, polyacrylohalide, polyacrylonitrile, polyallyl alcohol, polyallyl ether, polyallyl ester, polyallyl carbonate, polyallyl carbamate, polyallyl sulfone, polyallyl sulfonic acid, polyallyl amine, polyallyl cyanide, polyvinyl ester, polyvinyl thioester, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, poly α-olefin, polystyrene, and combinations thereof. Therefore, the polyolefin can be derived from a monomer selected from the group consisting of acrylamide, acrylate, acrylic acid and derivatives or salts thereof, acrylohalide, acrylonitrile, allyl alcohol, allyl ether, allyl ester, allyl carbonate, allyl carbamate, allyl sulfone, allyl sulfonic acid, allyl amine, allyl cyanide, vinyl ester, vinyl thioester, vinyl pyrrolidone, α-olefin, styrene, and combinations thereof.

In some aspects, the polyolefin is derived from an acrylamide. Suitable acrylamides can include, but are not limited to, acrylamide, methacrylamide, ethylacrylamide, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, N-isopropylacrylamide, N-tert-butylacrylamide, N-isopropylmethacrylamide, N-phenylacrylamide, N-diphenylmethylacrylamide, N-(triphenylmethyl)methacrylamide, N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide, 3-acryloylamino-1-propanol, N-acryloylamido-ethoxyethanol, N-[tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]acrylamide, N-(3-methoxypropyl) acryl amide, N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide, (3-acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride, diacetone acrylamide, 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, salts of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid, 4-acryloylmorpholine, and combinations thereof. For example, the acrylamide prepolymer can be acrylamide or methacrylamide.

In some cases, portions of the polyolefin of the polymeric continuous phase can include a polyolefin derived from an acrylate (e.g., acrylate and/or alkylacrylate). Suitable acrylates include, but are not limited to, methyl acrylate, ethyl acrylate, propyl acrylate, isopropyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, isobutyl acrylate, tert-butyl acrylate, hexyl acrylate, isooctyl acrylate, isodecyl acrylate, octadecyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acrylate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl acrylate, isobornyl acrylate, vinyl methacrylate, allyl methacrylate, methyl methacrylate, ethyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, isobutyl methacrylate, tert-butyl methacrylate, hexyl methacrylate, 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate, isodecyl methacrylate, lauryl methacrylate, stearyl methacrylate, cyclohexyl methacrylate, 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexyl methacrylate, combinations thereof, and the like. For example, acrylate prepolymer can be methyl acrylate, ethyl methacrylate, or 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate.

In some cases, portions of the polyolefin of the polymeric continuous phase are derived from an acrylic acid or a derivative or salt thereof. Suitable acrylic acids, but are not limited to acrylic acid, sodium acrylate, methacrylic acid, sodium methacrylate, 2-ethylacrylic acid, 2-propylacrylic acid, 2-bromoacrylic acid, 2-(bromomethyl)acrylic acid, 2-(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid, acryloyl chloride, methacryloyl chloride, and 2-ethylacryloyl chloride.

In various aspects, portions of the polyolefin of the polymeric continuous phase can be derived from an allyl alcohol, allyl ether, allyl ester, allyl carbonate, allyl carbamate, allyl sulfone, allyl sulfonic acid, allyl amine, allyl cyanide, or a combination thereof. For example, the polyolefin segment can be derived from allyloxyethanol, 3-allyloxy-1,2-propanediol, allyl butyl ether, allyl benzyl ether, allyl ethyl ether, allyl phenyl ether, allyl 2,4,6-tribromophenyl ether, 2-allyloxybenzaldehyde, 2-allyloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone, allyl acetate, allyl acetoacetate, allyl chloroacetate, allylcyanoacetate, allyl 2-bromo-2-methylpropionate, allyl butyrate, allyltrifluoroacetae, allyl methyl carbonate, tert-butyl N-allylcarbamate, allyl methyl sulfone, 3-allyloxy-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid, 3-allyloxy-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt, allylamine, an allylamine salt, and allyl cyanide.

In some cases, portions of the polyolefin of the polymeric continuous phase can include a polyolefin derived from a vinyl ester, vinyl thioester, vinyl pyrrolidone (e.g., N-vinyl pyrrolidone), and combinations thereof. For example, the vinyl monomer can be vinyl chloroformate, vinyl acetate, vinyl decanoate, vinyl neodecanoate, vinyl neononanoate, vinylpivalate, vinyl propionate, vinyl stearate, vinyl valerate, vinyl trifluoroacetate, vinyl benzoate, vinyl 4-tert-butylbenzoate, vinyl cinnamate, butyl vinyl ether, tert-butyl vinyl ether, cyclohexyl vinyl ether, dodecyl vinyl ether, ethylene glycol vinyl ether, 2-ethylhexyl vinyl ether, ethyl vinyl ether, ethyl-1-propenyl ether, isobutyl vinyl ether, propyl vinyl ether, 2-chloroethyl vinyl ether, 1,4-butanediol vinyl ether, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol vinyl ether, di(ethylene glycol) vinyl ether, diethyl vinyl orthoformate, vinyl sulfide, vinyl halide, and vinyl chloride.

In some aspects, portions of the polyolefin of the polymeric continuous phase can be derived from an alpha-olefin, such as 1-octene, 1-nonene, 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-tridecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-pentadecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-pentadecene, 1-heptadecene, and 1-octadecene.

In various cases, portions of the polyolefin of the polymeric continuous phase can be derived from a styrene. Suitable styrene monomers include styrene, α-bromostyrene, 2,4-diphenyl-4-methyl-1-pentene, α-methylstyrene, 4-acetoxystyrene, 4-benzhydrylstyrene, 4-tert-butylstyrene, 2,4-dimethylstyrene, 2,5-dimethylstyrene, 2-methylstyrene, 3-methylstyrene, 4-methylstyrene, 2-(trifluoromethyl)styrene, 3-(trifluoromethyl)styrene, 4-(trifluoromethyl)styrene, 2,4,6-trimethylstyrene, vinylbenzyl chloride, 4-benzyloxy-3-methoxystyrene, 4-tert-butoxystyrene, 3,4-dimethoxystyrene, 4-ethoxystyrene, 4-vinylanisole, 2-bromostyrene, 3-bromostyrene, 4-bromosytrene, 4-chloro-α-methylstyrene, 2-chlorostyrene, 3-chlorostyrene, 4-chlorostyrene, 2,6-dichlorostyrene, 2,6-difluoro styrene, 2-fluorostyrene, 3-fluorostyrene, 4-fluoro styrene, 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorostyrene, N,N-dimethylvinylbenzylamine, 2-isopropenylaniline, 4-[N-(methylaminoethyl)aminomethyl]styrene, 3-vinylaniline, 4-vinylaniline, (vinylbenzyl)trimethylammonium chloride, 4-(diphenylphosphino)styrene, 3-isopropenyl-α,α-dimethylbenzyl isocyanate, 3-nitrostyrene, 9-vinylanthracene, 2-vinylnaphthalene, 4-vinylbenzocyclobutene, 4-vinylbiphenyl, and vinylbenzoic acid.

In various cases, portions of the polyolefin of the polymeric continuous phase can be derived from a styrene. Suitable styrene prepolymers include styrene, α-bromostyrene, 2,4-diphenyl-4-methyl-1-pentene, α-methylstyrene, 4-acetoxystyrene, 4-benzhydrylstyrene, 4-tert-butylstyrene, 2,4-dimethylstyrene, 2,5-dimethylstyrene, 2-methylstyrene, 3-methylstyrene, 4-methylstyrene, 2-(trifluoromethyl)styrene, 3-(trifluoromethyl)styrene, 4-(trifluoromethyl)styrene, 2,4,6-trimethylstyrene, vinylbenzyl chloride, 4-benzyloxy-3-methoxystyrene, 4-tert-butoxystyrene, 3,4-dimethoxystyrene, 4-ethoxystyrene, 4-vinylanisole, 2-bromostyrene, 3-bromostyrene, 4-bromosytrene, 4-chloro-α-methylstyrene, 2-chlorostyrene, 3-chlorostyrene, 4-chlorostyrene, 2,6-dichlorostyrene, 2,6-difluoro styrene, 2-fluorostyrene, 3-fluorostyrene, 4-fluoro styrene, 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorostyrene, N,N-dimethylvinylbenzylamine, 2-isopropenylaniline, 4-[N-(methylaminoethyl)aminomethyl]styrene, 3-vinylaniline, 4-vinylaniline, (vinylbenzyl)trimethylammonium chloride, 4-(diphenylphosphino)styrene, 3-isopropenyl-α,α-dimethylbenzyl isocyanate, 3-nitrostyrene, 9-vinylanthracene, 2-vinylnaphthalene, 4-vinylbenzocyclobutene, 4-vinylbiphenyl, vinylbenzoic acid, and combinations thereof.

The polyolefin of the polymeric continuous phase can optionally include a chain extender, as previously described herein, having a molecular weight and molar ratio as previously described herein. In these aspects, the chain extender includes electrophilic moieties that are capable of reacting with olefins. Examples of these chain extenders include divinyl compounds.

The polyolefin of the polymeric continuous phase can contain physical crosslinks, covalent crosslinks, or both. In some aspects, the polyolefin of the polymeric continuous phase is physically crosslinked through, e.g., nonpolar or polar interactions between the polyolefin groups on the polymers, and is a thermoplastic polyolefin.

In various aspects, the polyolefin of the polymeric continuous phase is chemically crosslinked. Suitable crosslinkers for polyolefins include compounds having at least two vinyl groups, such as polyacrylates, polyamides, polyvinyl compounds (e.g., ethylene glycol diacrylate, N,N-methylenebisacrylamide, divinylbenzyene, and combinations thereof). Covalent crosslinking can occur by exposing the polyolefin prepolymers and crosslinkers to heat, light, and/or a radical initiator according to methods well known in the art.

Suitable commercially available polyolefins include, but are not limited to the “DOWLEX” LLPE, LDPE, and HDPE resins, “ENGAGE”, and “INFUSE” by Dow Chemical, Midland, Mich., AND “VISTAAXX” by Exxon Mobil, Irving, Tex.

The dispersion also can optionally include one or more additives, such as antioxidants, colorants, stabilizers, anti-static agents, wax packages, antiblocking agents, crystal nucleating agents, melt strength enhancers, anti-stain agents, or stain blockers, which are well known to those skilled in the art. The additives can be incorporated in the dispersion in any combination or sequence (e.g., individually or together). In some aspects, the additives are entrained in the dispersion by the polymer molecules of the continuous phase, the dispersant, or both, and leach out either slowly or not at all. In other aspects, the additives are linked to the polymeric continuous phase and/or hydrophilic dispersants via ionic/polar bonds. In some cases, the additives are covalently bonded to the polymeric continuous phase and/or hydrophilic dispersants.

In some aspects, the outsole film can define an exterior or ground-facing surface of the outsole. Alternatively, a water-permeable membrane can define the exterior or ground-facing surface of the outsole, and can be in direct contact with the outsole film. For example, at least a portion of the exterior surface of the outsole can be defined by a first side of the water-permeable membrane, with the outsole film present between the backing plate/outsole substrate and the membrane.

The level of water permeability of the water-permeable membrane is preferably sufficient for water to rapidly partition from the exterior surface of the outsole (i.e., the first side of the membrane), across the second side of the membrane, and into the outsole film. For example, the level of water permeability of the water-permeable membrane can be sufficient for a sample of the outsole obtained in accordance with the Footwear Sampling Procedure to have a water uptake capacity of greater than 40% by weight at 24 hours and/or at 1 hour.

The articles of footwear of the present disclosure can be manufactured using a variety of different footwear manufacturing techniques. For example, the outsole film (e.g., the film 116) and the backing plate or substrate can be formed using methods such as injection molding, cast molding, thermoforming, vacuum forming, extrusion, spray coating, and the like.

In a first embodiment, the outsole is formed with the use of a co-extruded outsole plate. In this case, the film material can be co-extruded with a thermoplastic material used to form a thin backing substrate, where the resulting co-extrudate can be provided in a web or sheet form. The web or sheet can then be placed in a vacuum thermoforming tool to produce the three-dimensional geometry of the outsole ground-facing side (referred to as an outsole face precursor). The backing substrate provides a first function in this step by creating a structural support for the relatively thinner and weaker outsole film. The outsole face precursor can then be trimmed to form its perimeter and orifices to receive traction elements, thereby providing an outsole face.

The outsole face can then be placed in a mold cavity, where the outsole film is preferably positioned away from the injection sprues. Another thermoplastic material can then be back injected into the mold to bond to the backing substrate, opposite of the outsole film. This illustrates the second function of the backing substrate, namely to protect the outsole film from the injection pressure. The injected thermoplastic material can be the same or different from the material used to produce the backing substrate. Preferably, they include the same or similar materials (e.g., both being thermoplastic polyurethanes). As such, the backing substrate and the injected material in the mold form the outsole backing plate, which is secured to the outsole film (during the co-extrusion step).

In a second embodiment, the outsole is formed with the use of injection molding. In this case, a substrate material is preferably injected into a mold to produce the outsole backing plate. The outsole backing plate can then be back injected with the film material to produce the outsole film bonded to the outsole backing plate.

In either embodiment, after the outsole is manufactured, it can be directly or indirectly secured to a footwear upper to provide the article of footwear of the present disclosure. In particular, outsole film can function as a ground-facing surface of the outsole, which is positioned on the opposite side of the outsole backing plate from the upper.

Property Analysis and Characterization Procedure

Various properties can be determined for outsole films of footwear according to the following methodologies.

1. Sampling Procedures

As mentioned above, it has been found that when the outsole film is secured to another substrate, the interfacial bond can restrict the extent that the outsole film can take up water and/or swell. As such, various properties of the outsole film can be characterized using samples prepared with the following sampling procedures:

A. Footwear Sampling Procedure

This procedure can be used to obtain a sample of the outsole film when the outsole film is a component of a footwear outsole or article of footwear (e.g., bonded to an outsole substrate, such as an outsole backing plate). An outsole sample including the outsole film in a non-wetted state (e.g., at 25° C. and 20% relative humidity) is cut from the article of footwear using a blade. This process is performed by separating the outsole from an associated footwear upper, and removing any materials from the outsole top surface (e.g., corresponding to the top surface 142) that can uptake water and potentially skew the water uptake measurements of the outsole film. For example, the outsole top surface can be skinned, abraded, scraped, or otherwise cleaned to remove any upper adhesives, yarns, fibers, foams, and the like that could potentially take up water themselves.

The resulting sample includes the outsole film and any outsole substrate bonded to the outsole film, and maintains the interfacial bond between the outsole film and the associated outsole substrate. As such, this test can simulate how the outsole film will perform as part of an article of footwear. Additionally, this sample is also useful in cases where the interfacial bond between the outsole film and the outsole substrate is less defined, such as where the material of the outsole film is highly diffused into the material of the outsole substrate (e.g., with a concentration gradient).

The sample is taken at a location along the outsole that provides a substantially constant film thickness for the outsole film (within +/−10% of the average film thickness), such as in a forefoot region, midfoot region, or a heel region of the outsole, and has a surface area of 4 square centimeters (cm²). In cases where the outsole film is not present on the outsole in any segment having a 4 cm² surface area and/or where the film thickness is not substantially constant for a segment having a 4 cm² surface area, sample sizes with smaller cross-sectional surface areas can be taken and the area-specific measurements are adjusted accordingly.

B. Co-Extruded Film Sampling Procedure

This procedure can be used to obtain a sample of an outsole film when the outsole film is co-extruded onto a backing substrate. The backing substrate is produced from a material that is compatible with the material of the outsole film, such as a material used to form an outsole backing plate for the outsole film.

It has been found that samples taken from co-extruded outsole films are suitable substitutes to samples taken from articles of footwear. Additionally, this sample is also useful in cases where the interfacial bond between the outsole film and the backing substrate is less defined, such as where the material of the outsole film is highly diffused into the material of the backing substrate (e.g., with a concentration gradient).

In this case, the outsole film is co-extruded with the backing substrate as a web or sheet having a substantially constant film thickness for the outsole film (within +/−10% of the average film thickness), and cooled to solidify the resulting web or sheet. A sample of the outsole-film secured to the backing substrate is then cut from the resulting web or sheet, with a sample size surface area of 4 cm², such that the outsole film of the resulting sample remains secured to the backing substrate.

C. Neat Film Sampling Procedure

This procedure can be used to obtain a sample of an outsole film when the outsole film is isolated in a neat form (i.e., without any bonded substrate). In this case, the outsole film is extruded as a web or sheet having a substantially constant film thickness for the outsole film (within +/−10% of the average film thickness), and cooled to solidify the resulting web or sheet. A sample of the outsole film having a surface area of 4 cm² is then cut from the resulting web or sheet.

Alternatively, if a source of the outsole film material is not available in a neat form, the outsole film can be cut from an outsole substrate of a footwear outsole, or from a backing substrate of a co-extruded sheet or web, thereby isolating the outsole film. In either case, a sample of the outsole film having a surface area of 4 cm² is then cut from the resulting isolated film.

D. Neat Material Sampling Procedure

This procedure can be used to obtain a sample of a material used to form the outsole film. In this case, the outsole film material is provided in media form, such as flakes, granules, powders, pellets, and the like. If a source of the outsole film material is not available in a neat form, the outsole film can be cut, scraped, or ground from an outsole substrate of a footwear outsole or from a backing substrate of a co-extruded sheet or web, thereby isolating the outsole film material.

2. Water Uptake Capacity Test

This test measures the water uptake capacity of the outsole film after a given soaking duration for a sample (e.g., taken with the above-discussed Footwear Sampling Procedure, Co-extruded Film Sampling Procedure, or the Neat Film Sampling Procedure). The sample is initially dried at 60° C. until there is no weight change for consecutive measurement intervals of at least 30 minutes apart (e.g., a 24-hour drying period at 60° C. is typically a suitable duration). The total weight of the dried sample (Wt,_(sample,dry)) is then measured in grams. The dried sample is then allowed to cool down to 25° C., and is fully immersed in a deionized water bath maintained at 25° C. After a given soaking duration, the sample is removed from the deionized water bath, blotted with a cloth to remove surface water, and the total weight of the soaked sample (Wt,_(sample,wet)) is measured in grams.

Any suitable soaking duration can be used, where a 24-hour soaking duration is believed to simulate saturation conditions for the outsole films of the present disclosure (i.e., the outsole film will be in its saturated state). Accordingly, as used herein, the expression “having a water uptake capacity at 5 minutes of . . . ” refers to a soaking duration of 5 minutes, having a water uptake capacity at 1 hour of . . . ” refers to a soaking duration of 1 hour, the expression “having a water uptake capacity at 24 hours of . . . ” refers to a soaking duration of 24 hours, and the like.

As can be appreciated, the total weight of a sample taken pursuant to the Footwear Sampling Procedure or the Co-extruded Film Sampling Procedure includes the weight of the outsole film as dried or soaked (Wt,_(film,dry) or Wt,_(film,wet)) and the weight of the outsole or backing substrate (Wt,_(substrate)). In order to determine a change in weight of the outsole film due to water uptake, the weight of the substrate (Wt,_(substrate)) needs to be subtracted from the sample measurements.

The weight of the substrate (Wt,_(substrate)) is calculated using the sample surface area (e.g., 4 cm²), an average measured thickness of the substrate in the sample, and the average density of the substrate material. Alternatively, if the density of the material for the substrate is not known or obtainable, the weight of the substrate (Wt,_(substrate)) is determined by taking a second sample using the same sampling procedure as used for the primary sample, and having the same dimensions (surface area and film/substrate thicknesses) as the primary sample. The outsole film of the second sample is then cut apart from the substrate of the second sample with a blade to provide an isolated substrate. The isolated substrate is then dried at 60° C. for 24 hours, which can be performed at the same time as the primary sample drying. The weight of the isolated substrate (Wt,_(substrate)) is then measured in grams.

The resulting substrate weight (Wt,_(substrate)) is then subtracted from the weights of the dried and soaked primary sample (Wt,_(sample,dry) and Wt,_(sample,wet)) to provide the weights of the outsole film as dried and soaked (Wt,_(film,dry) and Wt,_(film,wet)), as depicted below by Equations 1 and 2:

Wt,_(film,dry)=Wt,_(sample,dry)−Wt,_(substrate)  (Equation 1)

Wt,_(film,wet)=Wt,_(sample,wet)−Wt,_(substrate)  (Equation 2)

For outsole film samples taken pursuant to the Neat Film Sampling Procedure, the substrate weight (Wt,_(substrate)) is zero. As such, Equation 1 collapses to Wt,_(film,dry)=Wt,_(sample,dry), and Equation 2 collapses to Wt,_(film,wet)=Wt,_(sample,wet).

The weight of the dried outsole film (Wt,_(film,dry)) is then subtracted from the weight of the soaked outsole film (Wt,_(film,wet)) to provide the weight of water that was taken up by the outsole film, which is then divided by the weight of the dried outsole film (Wt,_(film,dry)) to provide the water uptake capacity for the given soaking duration as a percentage, as depicted below by Equation 3:

$\begin{matrix} {{{Water}\mspace{14mu} {Uptake}\mspace{14mu} {Capacity}} = {\frac{{Wt},_{{film},{wet}}{- {Wt}},_{{film},{dry}}}{{Wt},_{{film},{dry}}}\left( {100\%} \right)}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 3} \right) \end{matrix}$

For example, a water uptake capacity of 50% at 1 hour means that the soaked outsole film weighed 1.5 times more than its dry-state weight after soaking for 1 hour, where there is a 1:2 weight ratio of water to outsole film material. Similarly, a water uptake capacity of 500% at 24 hours means that the soaked outsole film weighed 5 times more than its dry-state weight after soaking for 24 hours, where there is a 4:1 weight ratio of water to outsole film material.

3. Water Uptake Rate Test

This test measures the water uptake rate of the outsole film by modeling weight gain as a function of soaking time for a sample with a one-dimensional diffusion model. The sample can be taken with any of the above-discussed Footwear Sampling Procedure, Co-extruded Film Sampling Procedure, or the Neat Film Sampling Procedure. The sample is initially dried at 60° C. until there is no weight change for consecutive measurement intervals of at least 30 minutes apart (a 24-hour drying period at 60° C. is typically a suitable duration). The total weight of the dried sample (Wt,_(sample,dry)) is then measured in grams. Additionally, the average thickness of the outsole film for the dried sample is measured for use in calculating the water uptake rate, as explained below.

The dried sample is then allowed to cooled down to 25° C., and is fully immersed in a deionized water bath maintained at 25° C. Between soaking durations of 1, 2, 4, 9, 16, and 25 minutes, the sample is removed from the deionized water bath, blotted with a cloth to remove surface water, and the total weight of the soaked sample (Wt,_(sample,wet,t)) is measured, where “t” refers to the particular soaking-duration data point (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 9, 16, or 25 minutes).

The exposed surface area of the soaked sample (A_(t)) is also measured with calipers for determining the specific weight gain, as explained below. The exposed surface area refers to the surface area that comes into contact with the deionized water when fully immersed in the bath. For samples obtained using the Footwear Sampling Procedure and the Co-extruded Film Sampling Procedure, the samples only have one major surface exposed. However, for samples obtained using the Neat Film Sampling Procedure, both major surfaces are exposed. For convenience, the surface areas of the peripheral edges of the sample are ignored due to their relatively small dimensions.

The measured sample is fully immersed back in the deionized water bath between measurements. The 1, 2, 4, 9, 16, and 25 minute durations refer to cumulative soaking durations while the sample is fully immersed in the deionized water bath (i.e., after the first minute of soaking and first measurement, the sample is returned to the bath for one more minute of soaking before measuring at the 2-minute mark).

As discussed above in the Water Uptake Capacity Test, the total weight of a sample taken pursuant to the Footwear Sampling Procedure or the Co-extruded Film Sampling Procedure includes the weight of the outsole film as dried or soaked (Wt,_(film,dry), or Wt,_(film,wet,t)) and the weight of the outsole or backing substrate (Wt,_(substrate)). In order to determine a weight change of the outsole film due to water uptake, the weight of the substrate (Wt,_(substrate)) needs to be subtracted from the sample weight measurements. This can be accomplished using the same steps discussed above in the Water Uptake Capacity Test to provide the resulting outsole film weights Wt,_(film,dry) and Wt,_(film,wet,t) for each soaking-duration measurement.

The specific weight gain (Ws,_(film,t)) from water uptake for each soaked sample is then calculated as the difference between the weight of the soaked sample (Wt,_(film,wet,t)) and the weight of the initial dried sample (Wt,_(film,dry)), where the resulting difference is then divided by the exposed surface area of the soaked sample (A_(t)), as depicted below by Equation 4:

$\begin{matrix} {{Ws},_{{film},t}{= \frac{{Wt},_{{film},{wet},t}{- {Wt}},_{{film},{dry}}}{A_{t}}}} & \left( {{Equation}\mspace{14mu} 4} \right) \end{matrix}$

where t refers to the particular soaking-duration data point (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 9, 16, or 25 minutes), as mentioned above.

The water uptake rate for the outsole film is then determined as the slope of the specific weight gains (Ws,_(film,t)) versus the square root of time (in minutes), as determined by a least squares linear regression of the data points. For the outsole films of the present disclosure, the plot of the specific weight gains (Ws,_(film,t)) versus the square root of time (in minutes) provides an initial slope that is substantially linear (to provide the water uptake rate by the linear regression analysis). However, after a period of time depending on the thickness of the outsole film, the specific weight gains will slow down, indicating a reduction in the water uptake rate, until the saturated state is reached. This is believed to be due to the water being sufficiently diffused throughout the outsole film as the water uptake approaches saturation, and will vary depending on film thickness.

As such, for the outsole film having an average dried film thickness (as measured above) less than 0.3 millimeters, only the specific weight gain data points at 1, 2, 4, and 9 minutes are used in the linear regression analysis. In these cases, the data points at 16 and 25 minutes can begin to significantly diverge from the linear slope due to the water uptake approaching saturation, and are omitted from the linear regression analysis. In comparison, for the outsole film having an average dried film thickness (as measured above) of 0.3 millimeters or more, the specific weight gain data points at 1, 2, 4, 9, 16, and 25 minutes are used in the linear regression analysis. The resulting slope defining the water uptake rate for the sampled outsole film has units of weight/(surface area-square root of time), such as grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)).

Furthermore, some film or substrate surfaces can create surface phenomenon that quickly attract and retain water molecules (e.g., via surface hydrogen bonding or capillary action) without actually drawing the water molecules into the film or substrate. Thus, samples of these films or substrates can show rapid specific weight gains for the 1-minute sample, and possibly for the 2-minute sample. After that, however, further weight gain is negligible. As such, the linear regression analysis is only applied if the specific weight gain data points at 1, 2, and 4 minutes continue to show an increase in water uptake. If not, the water uptake rate under this test methodology is considered to be about zero grams/(meter²-minutes^(1/2)).

4. Swelling Capacity Test

This test measures the swelling capacity of the outsole film in terms of increases in film thickness and film volume after a given soaking duration for a sample (e.g., taken with the above-discussed Footwear Sampling Procedure, Co-extruded Film Sampling Procedure, or the Neat Film Sampling Procedure). The sample is initially dried at 60° C. until there is no weight change for consecutive measurement intervals of at least 30 minutes apart (a 24-hour drying period is typically a suitable duration). The film dimensions of the dried sample are then measured (e.g., thickness, length, and width for a rectangular sample; thickness and diameter for a circular sample, etc. . . . ). The dried sample is then fully immersed in a deionized water bath maintained at 25° C. After a given soaking duration, the sample is removed from the deionized water bath, blotted with a cloth to remove surface water, and the same film dimensions for the soaked sample are re-measured.

Any suitable soaking duration can be used. Accordingly, as used herein, the expressions “having a swelling thickness (or volume) increase at 5 minutes of . . . ” refers to a soaking duration of 5 minutes, having a swelling thickness (or volume) increase at 1 hour of . . . ” refers to a test duration of 1 hour, the expression “having a swelling thickness (or volume) increase at 24 hours of . . . ” refers to a test duration of 24 hours, and the like.

The swelling of the outsole film is determined by (i) an increase in the film thickness between the dried and soaked outsole film, by (ii) an increase in the film volume between the dried and soaked outsole film, or (iii) both. The increase in film thickness between the dried and soaked film is calculated by subtracting the measured film thickness of the initial dried film from the measured film thickness of the soaked film. Similarly, the increase in film volume between the dried and soaked film is calculated by subtracting the measured film volume of the initial dried film from the measured film volume of the soaked film. The increases in the film thickness and volume can also be represented as percentage increases relative to the dry-film thickness or volume, respectively.

5. Contact Angle Test

This test measures the contact angle of the outsole film surface (or of the outsole surface) based on a static sessile drop contact angle measurement for a sample (e.g., taken with the above-discussed Footwear Sampling Procedure, Co-extruded Film Sampling Procedure, or the Neat Film Sampling Procedure). The contact angle refers to the angle at which a liquid interface meets a solid surface, and is an indicator of how hydrophilic the surface is.

For a dry test (i.e., to determine a dry-state contact angle), the sample is initially equilibrated at 25° C. and 20% humidity for 24 hours. For a wet test (i.e., to determine a wet-state contact angle), the sample is fully immersed in a deionized water bath maintained at 25° C. for 24 hours. After that, the sample is removed from the bath and blotted with a cloth to remove surface water, and clipped to a glass slide if needed to prevent curling.

The dry or wet sample is then placed on a moveable stage of a contact angle goniometer commercially available under the tradename “RAME-HART F290” from Rame-Hart Instrument Co., Succasunna, N.J. A 10-microliter droplet of deionized water is then placed on the sample using a syringe and automated pump. An image is then immediately taken of the droplet (before film can take up the droplet), and the contact angle of both edges of the water droplet are measured from the image. The decrease in contact angle between the dried and wet samples is calculated by subtracting the measured contact angle of the wet film from the measured contact angle of the dry film.

6. Coefficient of Friction Test

This test measures the coefficient of friction of the outsole film surface (or of the outsole surface) for a sample (e.g., taken with the above-discussed Footwear Sampling Procedure, Co-extruded Film Sampling Procedure, or the Neat Film Sampling Procedure). For a dry test (i.e., to determine a dry-state coefficient of friction), the sample is initially equilibrated at 25° C. and 20% humidity for 24 hours. For a wet test (i.e., to determine a wet-state coefficient of friction), the sample is fully immersed in a deionized water bath maintained at 25° C. for 24 hours. After that, the sample is removed from the bath and blotted with a cloth to remove surface water.

The measurement is performed with an aluminum sled mounted on an aluminum test track, which is used to perform a sliding friction test for test sample on an aluminum surface of the test track. The test track measures 127 millimeters wide by 610 millimeters long. The aluminum sled measures 76.2 millimeters×76.2 millimeters, with a 9.5 millimeter radius cut into the leading edge. The contact area of the aluminum sled with the track is 76.2 millimeters×66.6 millimeters, or 5,100 square millimeters).

The dry or wet sample is attached to the bottom of the sled using a room temperature-curing two-part epoxy adhesive commercially available under the tradename “LOCTITE 608” from Henkel, Düsseldorf, Germany. The adhesive is used to maintain the planarity of the wet sample, which can curl when saturated. A polystyrene foam having a thickness of about 25.4 millimeters is attached to the top surface of the sled (opposite of the test sample) for structural support.

The sliding friction test is conducted using a screw-driven load frame. A tow cable is attached to the sled with a mount supported in the polystyrene foam structural support, and is wrapped around a pulley to drag the sled across the aluminum test track. The sliding or frictional force is measured using a load transducer with a capacity of 2,000 Newtons. The normal force is controlled by placing weights on top of the aluminum sled, supported by the polystyrene foam structural support, for a total sled weight of 20.9 kilograms (205 Newtons). The crosshead of the test frame is increased at a rate of 5 millimeters/second, and the total test displacement is 250 millimeters. The coefficient of friction is calculated based on the steady-state force parallel to the direction of movement required to pull the sled at constant velocity. The coefficient of friction itself is found by dividing the steady-state pull force by the applied normal force. Any transient value relating static coefficient of friction at the start of the test is ignored.

7. Storage Modulus Test

This test measures the resistance of the outsole film to being deformed (ratio of stress to strain) when a vibratory or oscillating force is applied to it, and is a good indicator of film compliance in the dry and wet states. For this test, a sample is provided in neat form using the Neat Film Sampling Procedure, which is modified such that the surface area of the test sample is rectangular with dimensions of 5.35 millimeters wide and 10 millimeters long. The film thickness can range from 0.1 millimeters to 2 millimeters, and the specific range is not particularly limited as the end modulus result is normalized according to film thickness.

The storage modulus (E′) with units of megaPascals (MPa) of the sample is determined by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) using a DMA analyzer commercially available under the tradename “Q800 DMA ANALYZER” from TA Instruments, New Castle, Del., which is equipped with a relative humidity accessory to maintain the sample at constant temperature and relative humidity during the analysis.

Initially, the thickness of the test sample is measured using calipers (for use in the modulus calculations). The test sample is then clamped into the DMA analyzer, which is operated at the following stress/strain conditions during the analysis: isothermal temperature of 25° C., frequency of 1 Hertz, strain amplitude of 10 micrometers, preload of 1 Newton, and force track of 125%. The DMA analysis is performed at a constant 25° C. temperature according to the following time/relative humidity (RH) profile: (i) 0% RH for 300 minutes (representing the dry state for storage modulus determination), (ii) 50% RH for 600 minutes, (iii) 90% RH for 600 minutes (representing the wet state for storage modulus determination), and (iv) 0% RH for 600 minutes.

The E′ value (in MPa) is determined from the DMA curve according to standard DMA techniques at the end of each time segment with a constant RH value. Namely, the E′ value at 0% RH (i.e., the dry-state storage modulus) is the value at the end of step (i), the E′ value at 50% RH is the value at the end of step (ii), and the E′ value at 90% RH (i.e., the wet-state storage modulus) is the value at the end of step (iii) in the specified time/relative humidity profile.

The outsole film can be characterized by its dry-state storage modulus, its wet-state storage modulus, or the reduction in storage modulus between the dry-state and wet-state outsole films, where wet-state storage modulus is less than the dry-state storage modulus. This reduction in storage modulus can be listed as a difference between the dry-state storage modulus and the wet-state storage modulus, or as a percentage change relative to the dry-state storage modulus.

8. Glass Transition Temperature Test

This test measures the glass transition temperature (T_(g)) of the outsole film for a sample, where the outsole film is provided in neat form, such as with the Neat Film Sampling Procedure or the Neat Material Sampling Procedure, with a 10-milligram sample weight. The sample is measured in both a dry state and a wet state (i.e., after exposure to a humid environment as described herein).

The glass transition temperature is determined with DMA using a DMA analyzer commercially available under the tradename “Q2000 DMA ANALYZER” from TA Instruments, New Castle, Del., which is equipped with aluminum hermetic pans with pinhole lids, and the sample chamber is purged with 50 milliliters/minute of nitrogen gas during analysis. Samples in the dry state are prepared by holding at 0% RH until constant weight (less than 0.01% weight change over 120 minute period). Samples in the wet state are prepared by conditioning at a constant 25° C. according to the following time/relative humidity (RH) profile: (i) 250 minutes at 0% RH, (ii) 250 minutes at 50% RH, and (iii) 1,440 minutes at 90% RH. Step (iii) of the conditioning program can be terminated early if sample weight is measured during conditioning and is measured to be substantially constant within 0.05% during an interval of 100 minutes.

After the sample is prepared in either the dry or wet state, it is analyzed by DSC to provide a heat flow versus temperature curve. The DSC analysis is performed with the following time/temperature profile: (i) equilibrate at −90° C. for 2 minutes, (ii) ramp at +10° C./minute to 250° C., (iii) ramp at −50° C./minute to −90° C., and (iv) ramp at +10° C./minute to 250° C. The glass transition temperature value (in Celsius) is determined from the DSC curve according to standard DSC techniques.

9. Impact Energy Test

This test measures the ability of an outsole film sample to shed soil under particular test conditions, where the sample is prepared using the Co-extruded Film Sampling Procedure or the Neat Film Sampling Procedure (to obtain a suitable sample surface area). Initially, the sample is fully immersed in a water bath maintained at 25° C. for 24 hours), and then removed from the bath and blotted with a cloth to remove surface water.

The saturated test sample is then adhered to an aluminum block model outsole having a 25.4-millimeter thickness and a 76.2 millimeters×76.2 millimeters surface area, using a room temperature-curing two-part epoxy adhesive commercially available under the tradename “LOCTITE 608” from Henkel, Düsseldorf, Germany. The adhesive is used to maintain the planarity of the soaked sample, which can curl when saturated.

Four polyurethane cleats, which are commercially available under the trade name “MARKWORT M12-EP” 0.5-inch (12.7 millimeter) tall cleats from Markwort Sporting Goods Company, St. Louis, Mo., are then screwed into the bottom of the block in a square pattern with a 1.56-inch (39.6-millimeter) pitch. As a control reference, four identical cleats are attached to an aluminum block model outsole without an outsole film sample attached.

To clog the model outsole cleats, a bed of soil of about 75 millimeters in height is placed on top of a flat plastic plate. The soil is commercially available under the tradename “TIMBERLINE TOP SOIL”, model 50051562, from Timberline (subsidiary of Old Castle, Inc., Atlanta, Ga.) and was sifted with a square mesh with a pore dimension of 1.5 millimeter on each side. The model outsole is then compressed into the soil under body weight and twisting motion until the cleats touch the plastic plate. The weight is removed from the model outsole, and the model outsole is then twisted by 90 degrees in the plane of the plate and then lifted vertically. If no soil clogs the model outsole, no further testing is conducted.

However, if soil does clog the model outsole, the soil is knocked loose by dropping a 25.4-millimeter diameter steel ball weighing 67 grams onto the top side of the model outsole (opposite of the test sample and clogged soil). The initial drop height is 152 millimeters (6 inches) above the model outsole. If the soil does not come loose, the ball drop height is increased by an additional 152 millimeters (6 inches) and dropped again. This procedure of increasing the ball drop height by 152 millimeter (6 inch) increments is repeated until the soil on the bottom of the outsole model is knocked loose.

This test is run 10 times per test sample. For each run, the ball drop height can be converted into unclogging impact energy by multiplying the ball drop height by the ball mass (67 grams) and the acceleration of gravity (9.8 meters/second). The unclogging impact energy in Joules equals the ball drop height in inches multiplied by 0.0167. The procedure is performed on both the model outsole with the outsole film sample and a control model outsole without the outsole film, and the relative ball drop height, and therefore relative impact energy, is determined as the ball drop height for the model outsole with the outsole film sample divided by the control model outsole without the outsole film. A result of zero for the relative ball drop height (or relative impact energy) indicates that no soil clogged to the model outsole initially when the model outsole was compressed into the test soil (i.e., in which case the ball drop and control model outsole portions of the test are omitted).

10. Soil Shearing Footwear Test

This test measures the mud shearing ability of an article of footwear, and does not require any sampling procedure. Initially, the outsole of the footwear (while still attached to the upper) is fully immersed in a water bath maintained at 25° C. for 20 minutes), and then removed from the bath and blotted with a cloth to remove surface water, and its initial weight is measured.

The footwear with the soaked outsole is then placed on a last (i.e., foot form) and fixed to a test apparatus commercially available under the tradename “INSTRON 8511” from Instron Corporation, Norwood, Mass. The footwear is then lowered so that the cleats are fully submerged in the soil, and then raised and lowered into the soil at an amplitude of 10 millimeters for ten repetitions at 1 Hertz. With the cleats submerged in the soil, the cleat is rotated 20 degrees in each direction ten times at 1 Hertz. The soil is commercially available under the tradename “TIMBERLINE TOP SOIL”, model 50051562, from Timberline (subsidiary of Old Castle, Inc., Atlanta, Ga.), and the moisture content is adjusted so that the shear strength value is between 3 and 4 kilograms/cm² on a shear vane tester available from Test Mark Industries (East Palestine, Ohio.

After the test is complete, the footwear is carefully removed from the last and its post-test weight is measured. The difference between the post-test weight and the initial weight of the footwear, due to soil accumulation, is then determined.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. 

We claim:
 1. An article of footwear, the article comprising: an outsole having a ground-facing surface, a dispersion present on at least a portion of the ground-facing surface, the dispersion compositionally comprising a polymeric continuous phase and a hydrophilic dispersant; an upper at least partially secured to an opposing second surface of the outsole; and wherein the article of footwear prevents or reduces soil accumulation on the outsole such that the article of footwear retains at least 15% less soil by weight as compared to a second article of footwear which is identical to the article of footwear except that the second article of footwear is free of the dispersion.
 2. The article of claim 1, wherein the dispersion is present on at least 80% of the ground-facing surface of the outsole.
 3. The article of claim 1, wherein the dispersion further comprises a water-permeable membrane, and the water-permeable membrane is present on at least a portion of the ground-facing surface of the outsole.
 4. The article of claim 1, wherein the polymeric continuous phase comprises a crosslinked polymer.
 5. The article of claim 1, wherein the polymeric continuous phase comprises carbamate linkages.
 6. The article of claim 1, wherein the polymeric continuous phase comprises amide linkages.
 7. The article of claim 1, wherein the polymeric continuous phase comprises a polyolefin segment.
 8. The article of claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic dispersant is present in a concentration in a range of from 5% by weight to 40% by weight, based on a total weight of the dispersion.
 9. The article of claim 8, wherein the hydrophilic dispersant is present in a concentration in a range of from about 10% by weight to 20% by weight, based on the total weight of the dispersion.
 10. The article of claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic dispersant has an average particle size ranging from 10 micrometers to 1 millimeter.
 11. The article of claim 10, wherein the hydrophilic dispersant has an average particle size ranging from 10 micrometers to 500 micrometers.
 12. The article of claim 11, wherein the hydrophilic dispersant has an average particle size ranging from 100 micrometers to 100 micrometers.
 13. The article of claim 1, wherein the hydrophilic dispersant compositionally comprises a superabsorbent polymer.
 14. The article of claim 13, wherein the hydrophilic dispersant comprises cellulose, polyether, polyacrylic acid, or a derivative of polyacrylic acid.
 15. The article of claim 1, wherein the polymeric continuous phase comprises a covalently crosslinked polymer.
 16. A method of using an article of footwear, the method comprising: providing the article of footwear having an upper and an outsole operably secured to the upper, wherein the outsole includes a ground-facing surface and a dispersion present on at least a portion of the ground-facing surface, and wherein the dispersion compositionally comprises a polymeric continuous phase and a hydrophilic dispersant; exposing the dispersion to water to take up the water into the dispersion to provide a wetted dispersion; pressing the outsole with the wetted dispersion onto a ground surface to compress the wetted dispersion, wherein the compression of the wetted dispersion expels a portion of the taken up water from the film into soil of the ground surface; lifting the outsole from the ground surface to release the compression from the dispersion; and taking up additional water into the wetted dispersion after releasing the compression from the dispersion.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the polymeric continuous phase comprises a covalently crosslinked polymer.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the polymeric continuous phase compositionally comprises a hydrophobic polymer.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the outsole further comprises a plurality of traction elements, and wherein the method further comprises pressing at least a portion of the traction elements into the ground surface prior to pressing the wetted dispersion onto the ground surface.
 20. The method of claim 16, further comprising pre-conditioning the ground-facing surface by contacting the ground-facing surface to water before contacting the ground-facing surface to wet soil. 